Jerry Schaffner, president and CEO of Hilltop Holdings’ banking subsidiary, PlainsCapital Bank, will retire on May 1, 2024. At that time, Jeremy B. Ford, president and CEO of Hilltop Holdings, will become CEO of the bank. In anticipation of the transition, PlainsCapital chief operating officer Brian Heflin has been named president of the bank, and current chief administrative officer Pete Villarreal has been named chief operating officer effective immediately. Schaffner will continue to serve on PlainsCapital Bank’s board of directors, and Ford will continue to serve as president and CEO of Hilltop and chairman of PlainsCapital Bank following the transition.
“Jerry Schaffner has had an astonishing career spanning 42 years and has been a key leader at PlainsCapital since its very beginning in 1988,” Ford said. “As we celebrate his well-deserved retirement and implement our succession plan, I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to build on Jerry’s legacy. This is an exciting time for our organization, as we remain focused on supporting and growing our markets and enhancing the Bank’s connectivity and profitability. We are fortunate to have Brian as President and Pete as COO, as both bring proven tenured leadership to their new roles. I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Bank’s leadership as we continue to serve our customers, employees, communities, and shareholders.”
Schaffner joined PlainsCapital in 1988 as a vice president in Lubbock, TX. During his tenure, he has served as chief lending officer and banking group president, before being named president and CEO in 2010.
“PlainsCapital has been an important part of my life for the past 35 years, and I consider our organization to be part of my extended family,” Schaffner said. “While my decision to retire was a difficult one, I know it is the right time for both me and the Bank. PlainsCapital is in a remarkably strong position, and I have complete confidence in the Bank’s leadership. My time at the Bank has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to this exciting next chapter.”
Heflin joined PlainsCapital Bank in 1987 and led the bank’s entry into the North Texas region in 1999. In addition to his position as chief operating officer, he previously has served as North Texas region chairman and president of PlainsCapital Bank’s Turtle Creek branch in Dallas.
“I am honored to serve in my new role as President of PlainsCapital Bank and look forward to working closely with Jeremy, Pete, and the rest of the Bank’s leadership throughout the transition period and beyond,” Heflin said. “I am happy for Jerry as he enters retirement and want to express my deep gratitude for his 35 years of guidance and leadership. It has truly been an honor working alongside him.”
Villarreal joined PlainsCapital Bank in 1988 and previously served as chief of bank operations before being named chief administrative officer in 2012.
“I am excited about the beginning of this new phase for PlainsCapital and consider it a privilege to serve in my new role as Chief Operating Officer,” Villarreal said. “Jerry has been a friend and mentor for more than three decades and I congratulate him on his pending retirement. Following his example, the Bank will remain focused on providing the highest level of service for our customers and working to enhance our operations throughout the markets we serve.”
