WesBanco’s board of directors selected current director, Christopher V. Criss, to succeed James C. Gardill as chairman of the board, effective on April 17, 2019. Gardill did not stand for re-election due to the company’s director retirement policy.
Despite transitioning off the board, Gardill will remain general counsel for the bank holding company.
“The entire WesBanco family is extremely grateful to Jim for his long service on the board of directors and his dedication to our success,” said Todd F. Clossin, president and CEO of WesBanco. “For 45 years, Jim has provided key experience and sound counsel that has enabled the corporation to grow from a small West Virginia-based bank into an emerging regional financial services institution. In addition, I am pleased to be able to continue my working relationship with Chris Criss in his new role as chairman of the board.”
Criss joined the company as an affiliate director in 1988, has served on the board of directors since 1992 and was promoted to vice chairman in 2018. In addition, he serves as a member and chairman of the audit committee and as a member of the executive committee, the nominating committee, the enterprise risk committee, the disclosure committee and the compensation committee.
Criss has served as president and CEO of Atlas Towing Company since 1984 and has served as a board member and chairman of a regional healthcare provider.
“I am honored to be selected by the board to succeed Jim Gardill. Jim and I have worked together at WesBanco for more than thirty years to build shareholder return and recruit and employ a great management team to lead us into the future,” said Criss.
Gardill was first elected to the board of directors in 1980, began chairing the Annual meeting of shareholders in 1984, and was formally elected as chairman in 1990. He has represented WesBanco since 1973 and has served as general counsel to the corporation since 1984.
“I have been privileged to serve as chairman of WesBanco and as a member of its board of directors over these many years,” said Gardill. “I have also been privileged to work with some very talented and dedicated individuals committed to the growth and vitality of the company. I am also pleased to see Chris Criss succeed me in the chairman’s role, and I look forward to working with Todd Clossin as we embark on a new chapter in WesBanco’s history.”
