Synovus names new chief credit officer

Anne Fortner promoted to EVP, chief credit officer; Bob Derrick to retire

COLUMBUS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Synovus has named Anne Fortner, senior vice president and deputy chief credit officer, as executive vice president, chief credit officer, effective March 31, 2025. Fortner will succeed Bob Derrick, who has served as chief credit officer since 2019 and will retire after more than 20 years at Synovus. She will report to Shellie Creson, executive vice president, chief risk officer.

“Anne has deep credit industry experience and has excelled in roles of increasing responsibility during her nearly two decades at Synovus, positioning her well to assume this critical leadership position,” said Shellie Creson, executive vice president and chief risk officer. “Recently, Anne led efforts to enhance our proactive and preventative credit risk management programs, improving our platform for managing commercial, consumer and commercial real estate credit risk. She is a sharp strategist and strong leader. I’m thrilled she’s taking the helm of our credit team as we continue driving our growth agenda in the years ahead.”

Fortner will establish and advance credit organization initiatives and objectives in support of the enterprise strategy while ensuring that Synovus stays on top of trends and market conditions to guide credit practices. She will oversee the asset quality of the balance sheet, implement the administration of loan policy and governance processes, and direct the monitoring and measuring of credit risk through analytics, thresholds and limits to maintain credit risk within appetite. Derrick will remain in his role until March 31, 2025, and will work with Fortner, Creson and others to support the transition.

“Bob has been a tremendous leader and valued partner,” continued Creson. “With his steady but firm hand and by positioning our shareholders and clients at the heart of every interaction, Bob led our credit organization through the largest and fastest asset growth expansion in Synovus’ 136-year history. His authentic, relationship-focused approach enabled Bob’s success in navigating every challenge and opportunity. Bob has had a truly exemplary career in banking, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

In her 17 years with Synovus, Fortner has served in various roles, including executive director of credit risk management and leading credit for the wholesale bank. Prior to joining the company, she served in several commercial banking capacities with SouthTrust Bank and its successor, Wachovia. She earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Alabama.

Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $60 billion in assets. Synovus provides commercial and consumer banking and a full suite of specialized products and services, including wealth services, treasury management, mortgage services, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, capital markets and international banking. Synovus has branches in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. Synovus is a Great Place to Work-Certified Company. Learn more about Synovus at synovus.com.