Simmons Bank Names David Kennedy as EVP and Chief Technology Officer
Simmons Bank has appointed David Kennedy as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Kennedy will oversee the delivery of technology capabilities across all bank operations and steer Simmons’ technical strategy, focusing on innovation, infrastructure, cost optimization, and cross-team collaboration to support business objectives.
Key Responsibilities and Leadership Role
- Technology Strategy Leadership: Kennedy will guide the bank’s technical direction to ensure alignment with overall business success.
- Innovation and Infrastructure: He will focus on advancing innovation while enhancing the resilience and scalability of Simmons’ technology platforms.
- Cost Reduction and Collaboration: Driving efficient technology investments and fostering collaboration across departments will be central to his role.
Background and Experience
- Previous Roles: Before joining Simmons, Kennedy was Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at a Southeastern regional bank, overseeing corporate technology and innovation initiatives.
- Technical Expertise: His experience includes systems architecture, vendor management, and infrastructure modernization.
- Education: Kennedy holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Mississippi State University and completed programs at The Pacific Institute, Harvard Business School, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
- Community Involvement: He serves as Vice President of the Board for Old Mountain Arboretum and formerly was a board member of Acadiana Animal Aid.
Quote from Leadership
Ann Madea, Simmons Bank’s EVP and Chief Information Officer, said:
“David Kennedy joins us with a strong reputation for leading complex technology organizations and delivering impactful change. As we accelerate our technology strategy and enhance the resilience and scalability of our platforms, David’s deep understanding and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of our transformation.”
David Kennedy’s appointment as EVP and CTO marks a significant step for Simmons Bank as it advances its technology transformation. His extensive leadership experience and strategic focus will be key drivers in delivering innovative technology solutions that support the bank’s growth and operational excellence.
