Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE: RF) today announced Brian Willman has been named South Alabama Area President, reporting to Central Region President John Turner. Joel Daves, who most recently served in this role, is retiring from the company. “With a 150-year history in the Mobile area, the South Alabama area is an important part of our franchise. Joel Daves is ending a 30-year career at Regions, and we will miss his dedication and commitment,” said Turner. “Brian will be an excellent addition to our leadership team, and he will ensure a continued focus on the customer. Brian’s commitment to delivering quality service and financial solutions tailored to our customers’ needs reinforces our approach to rewarding banking relationships.”

Throughout his 20-year career, Willman has held various management positions in the financial services industry. He most recently served as Regions Community Banking Executive for Georgia and South Carolina. Prior to joining Regions in 2009, Willman worked for Wachovia Bank as market president for the Northeast Georgia region. His extensive banking background also includes positions at Wachovia Securities, Inc.; Formation Capital, LLC; SunTrust Bank; and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, and Smith. Willman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Willman said, “Regions has been a long-standing business that consumers have relied upon in this dynamic market. I look forward to being part of this community and to continuing to focus on our company's commitment to providing the best possible banking experience for customers.”

Daves’ leadership and dedication to the company began in 1982 when he joined the Trust Department of American National Bank & Trust Company of Mobile. Over the years, he worked in markets and held various wealth management roles prior to assuming his position as the South Alabama Area President. In retirement, Daves will continue to serve on Regions’ South Alabama Area Advisory Board, as Chair of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce's economic development fundraising campaign, Partners for Growth, and as Chairman of the Board for the United Way of Southwest Alabama.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the community every day in my capacity as a member of the local board for Regions and as a leader for the Chamber of Commerce and United Way,” Daves said. “South Alabama is an important market and one I am proud to be part of. I will continue to support Brian as Regions expands its presence, and I am confident that, with his leadership, our customers will continue to be well served.”