Hancock Holding Company Names Chip Knight as Chief Banking Officer

GULFPORT, Miss., July 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chip Knight, a seasoned bank executive with more than three decades of bank leadership and industry experience, is the new Chief Banking Officer (CBO) for Hancock Holding Company (Nasdaq: HBHC).

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e717b39e-8008-426d-93b3-9b26fa301340

Hancock is the parent company of the bank operating under the Hancock Bank and Whitney Bank names across the five states encircling the Gulf of Mexico.

Through regional leadership reporting to him, Knight is now responsible for all of the bank's core lines of business such as corporate, middle market, commercial, and business banking; commercial real estate (CRE); and consumer banking. President and CEO John M. Hairston announced Knight's appointment as Knight entered his first week on the job.

"Chip Knight has proven he knows the fine points of full-service banking and how to lead people, listen to clients, and build partnerships that grow lasting value," said Hairston. "Chip started out as a banker in New Orleans. We're proud to welcome him back home to the Gulf South and to Hancock and Whitney Bank."

Knight fills a previously vacant CBO position and will report directly to Chief Operating Officer D. Shane Loper. Loper said Knight is a superb fit for the company's culture of core values and has the experience and expertise necessary to help the Hancock and Whitney organization continue to grow as a Gulf South banking leader.

"Chip Knight brings 31 years of broad banking leadership and industry experience to our Hancock and Whitney Bank management team. He is familiar with the organization and will immediately add value to our team," said Loper.

Knight returns to the region after owning and leading a business advisory firm in Nashville, Tennessee. He began his banking career at First National Bank of Commerce in New Orleans and later rose as an executive at First Tennessee Bank in Memphis. During his 23-year tenure at First Tennessee, he led the commercial lines of business, managed and motivated teams of bankers, and oversaw commercial products and delivery, loan servicing, treasury management, and ancillary services. He established a strong record as an accomplished bank leader and relationship manager committed to clear communication, transparency, accountability, and service.

"I'm pleased to come back to the Gulf Coast and to be part of a highly rated regional bank focused on clients," said Knight. "Our broad footprint, personal service with the right mix of digital options, and consultative way of doing business allows us to partner with clients to create opportunities across the region."

Learn more about Chip Knight on LinkedIn.

About Hancock Holding Company

Hancock Holding Company is a multi-faceted financial services company with regional business headquarters and locations across a growing Gulf South corridor. With core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility and a heritage dating to the late 1800s, the company's banking subsidiary provides comprehensive financial products and services through Hancock Bank locations in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida and Whitney Bank locations in Louisiana and Texas, including traditional, online, and mobile banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; certain insurance services; and mortgage services.

BauerFinancial, Inc., has rated the bank as one of America's strongest, safest financial institutions for more than 26 years in a row. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.