Hancock Whitney hired a team of four commercial bankers as part of its expansion into the Jackson, MS market. The team brings experience in asset-based lending, equipment financing, commercial real estate, commercial construction, small business lending and business banking.

Leigh Pace will lead the team from the loan production office as Jackson market president.
Pace has more than 28 years of experience and was recognized as a “Leader in Finance” by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2016.

In addition to Pace, Melissa Peters joined Hancock Whitney as a senior vice president and commercial banker, Justin Gauthier joined as vice president and business banker and Adam R. Cox joined as senior vice president and commercial relationship banker.

Peters has more than 16 years of experience in and will provide services in asset-based lending, equipment financing, commercial real estate and commercial construction. She has been recognized as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Fifty Leading Business Women.

Gauthier has more than 15 years of experience and will provide clients expertise in small business lending, commercial lending and private banking.

Cox has 11 years experience and specializes in commercial real estate lending, relationship management and business development.

“Expanding Hancock Whitney’s presence in greater Jackson has been a long-term goal. We’re very pleased it’s now a reality,” John M. Hairston, president and CEO of Hancock Whitney, said. “We’ve recruited a team of top local commercial bankers to serve some of the region’s leading companies. Those seasoned financial professionals will help us introduce more of our metro Jackson neighbors to the strength, integrity and service that have set Hancock Whitney apart for 120-plus years.”