Commerce Bank of Arizona President and CEO John P. Lewis will retire from the company and the Bank on April 21, 2021. Effective immediately and until his retirement, he will serve as Tucson Market president.
Effective immediately, Phoenix Market President Chris Webster will assume the role of president and chief executive officer of the company and the bank.
“The timing of this announcement was carefully chosen to ensure a slow and smooth transition for all of customers, staff, and shareholders,” said Bill Assenmacher, chairman of the board of the company.
“During his time as CEO, John and the management team have transformed every aspect of the Bank’s operation into something we’re all very proud of, and John leaves us in very capable hands. Chris Webster has been deeply involved in all areas of our operation and has been instrumental in driving our turnaround and growth. Chris is a proven leader who is well suited to continue building the CBAZ franchise in Arizona in the years ahead.”
“It has been my privilege to serve as CEO of CBAZ,” said Lewis. “I’m very proud of the way our team rallied the community, raised capital, and turned around this bank. Mr. Webster will continue to do what he’s done since he arrived in 2014: lead effectively, serve our customers, and execute on the shared vision we have for this Bank.”
Webster joined the company in January 2015 as Phoenix Market President. Before Joining CBAZ, he led the commercial banking division at BBVA/Compass in Phoenix. He later co-founded and led First Scottsdale Bank, a Scottsdale, AZ-based community bank.
