SunTrust Banks named Ellen M. Fitzsimmons general counsel and corporate executive vice president. She succeeds Raymond D. Fortin who is retiring after a distinguished 40-year career. Fitzsimmons will oversee all legal affairs of the company and report to SunTrust chairman and CEO Bill Rogers, as well as serve as corporate secretary of the SunTrust board of directors.

“Ellen Fitzsimmons has a strong business and legal background in addition to experience working with regulatory agencies and ensuring high standards for compliance and client service,” said Rogers. “She will provide valuable counsel and insight to SunTrust as we both grow our business and fulfill our purpose of advancing financial well-being.”

Fitzsimmons previously served as executive vice president of law and public affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary of CSX Corporation. She initially joined CSX in 1991 after several years with the law firm of Hunton & Williams in Richmond, VA.

Ray Fortin acted as general counsel for 22 years. He joined SunTrust in 1989 after serving as staff counsel at the Citizens and Southern Georgia Corporation.

“Ray Fortin has earned the respect of our company and the industry,” Rogers said. “His counsel to our board and leadership team has contributed to consecutive years of performance improvement and strengthened relationships with many of our constituents.”