A new chief executive officer will be taking the reins of Citizens Bank in Batesville.
Adam Mitchell will be moving up into the CEO role, succeeding outgoing CEO Phil Baldwin. Originally, Baldwin was set to retire in mid-2021 but shortened the timetable due to a successful transition process.
“When I announced my retirement in August of last year, my original plan was to stay on through June of this year,” Baldwin said in a statement. “These last few months have proven to me that Adam and the dynamic leadership team at Citizens Bank are completely prepared for the future. I’ve decided to take my retirement three months early and enjoy every minute with my family.”
Mitchell has been with Citizens Bank since March 2018, serving in the role of president. He previously served in multiple roles at Simmons Bank, including as executive vice president and chief retail officer. In these roles, Mitchell headed up branch performance, staffing and service for more than 190 Simmons Bank locations in seven states.
“Our mission has and always will be about putting people first in everything we do,” Mitchell said. “I am humbled and excited to take on this new role and will take this job seriously, making sure that all of our stakeholders benefit from all the things that Citizens Bank can and will deliver.”
Baldwin revealed his retirement plans in August 2020, announcing that he intended to step down on June 30, 2021. Baldwin has served as CEO of Citizens Bank since 2013. He named Mitchell as his successor at that time.
Baldwin’s retirement plans were announced just as Citizens Bank crossed over the $1 billion mark in total assets. Founded in 1953, the bank’s assets currently exceed $1.1 billion.
READ MORE: Huff Joins Stephens’ Investment Banking Division