Synovus Financial Corp. announced the appointment of Bob Derrick as chief credit officer, effective immediately. Derrick previously served as Synovus’ chief community credit officer. He succeeds Kevin Howard, who was named chief wholesale banking officer last month.

“Since joining Synovus 15 years ago, Bob’s responsibilities have expanded from regional to statewide credit oversight in South Carolina, and in 2017, he was named chief community credit officer for the enterprise,” said Kessel D. Stelling, chairman and CEO of Synovus. “His extensive experience in corporate, commercial, and retail lending, understanding of opportunities in our markets, and knowledge of our company’s lending and risk management policies and practices make him a natural choice for this important role for our company.”

Derrick joined Synovus in Columbia, South Carolina, in 2003 as assistant regional credit officer and was named regional credit officer in 2010. He was appointed group executive of credit risk in 2013 and chief community credit officer in 2017. From 1986 to 2003, he was with Wachovia Bank, where he held a range of banking positions.

He is a graduate of Wofford College and former officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard.