Lorie K. Rupp, executive vice president and chief risk officer, will retire from First Citizens BankcShares following an exemplary 13-year career at the bank and more than 30 years in the financial services industry. BancShares plans for Tom Eklund, current treasurer and 20-year First Citizens Bank veteran, to succeed Rupp as chief risk officer. Rupp’s retirement and Eklund’s appointment will be effective June 1, 2026, providing time to ensure a smooth transition.
Rupp has served as the chief risk officer since March 2017, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s risk management framework during a period of significant growth. Previously, she held the role of chief accounting officer joining the bank in 2013.
“Lorie has been an outstanding leader, and her strategic insight and unwavering commitment have been instrumental to our success,” Frank Holding, chairman and CEO of First Citizens, said. “Throughout her long and distinguished career in banking, she has exhibited high standards of excellence and professionalism. We wish her all the best in retirement.”
Eklund will be responsible for leading the company’s risk management organization, including oversight of financial, credit, enterprise and operational, and compliance risk. Eklund has gained substantial experience managing capital, market, liquidity and compliance risks, having held several positions in the bank’s finance department, including head of financial strategy and treasurer.
“Tom is a seasoned executive whose expertise managing capital and liquidity risk and commitment to risk governance and regulatory compliance align with our strategic priorities,” Holding said. “We are confident he will build on our strong foundation and drive continued success as we remain committed to maintaining a robust risk governance framework in pursuit of our long-term objectives.”
