Huntington Taps New CIO Marc Dizard to Overhaul Wealth Management

COLUMBUS, OH – December 15, 2025 – In a significant strategic move, Huntington National Bank has appointed veteran investment strategist Marc Dizard as the new chief investment officer for its wealth management division. The appointment, effective today, signals the bank's aggressive push to modernize its investment platform and bolster its competitive stance in the increasingly crowded and sophisticated wealth management sector.

Dizard will report to Aaron Reber, director of wealth management strategy & solutions, and is tasked with a transformative agenda: shaping and executing a modernized investment platform designed to deliver superior, risk-adjusted outcomes for clients spanning the mass affluent to the ultra-high-net-worth and institutional segments.

A Strategic Play in a Competitive Landscape

Dizard’s appointment is not happening in a vacuum. It comes as regional banks are fiercely competing to capture a larger share of the lucrative wealth management market. Huntington, a $223 billion asset institution, finds itself contending with formidable rivals like PNC and U.S. Bank, both of which have recently made significant strides to expand and refine their own wealth offerings.

For instance, U.S. Bank has publicly stated its ambition to grow its wealth management client base to one million, leveraging its vast retail banking footprint. It employs a highly segmented approach, with distinct service models for different wealth tiers. Meanwhile, PNC, Dizard’s former employer, has rebranded its division to PNC Wealth Management, emphasizing a holistic, goal-based planning approach that integrates banking, insurance, and investments.

Huntington's hiring of a high-caliber leader like Dizard is a clear statement of intent. Under the leadership of Melissa Holding, who was appointed Director of Wealth Management in April 2024, the bank is clearly assembling a team to accelerate growth. "Marc brings a proven track record in building successful investment programs that create exceptional outcomes for clients," said Holding. "As we continue to grow and advance our wealth management business, Marc will be instrumental in driving forward our strategic priorities and executing our forward-looking investment vision."

This move suggests Huntington is aiming to move beyond traditional offerings and compete on the basis of sophisticated advice, technological prowess, and personalized client experiences, particularly for the high-net-worth clients served by Huntington Private Bank®.

Defining the 'Modernized' Investment Platform

The mandate for Dizard to create a "modernized investment platform" reflects a critical industry-wide shift. Today's wealth management clients, from millennials to seasoned investors, demand more than just portfolio management; they expect seamless digital access, deep personalization, and transparent, data-driven advice.

A modern platform, as envisioned by industry experts, integrates several key technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are at the forefront, used to analyze market trends, optimize portfolios, and even predict client needs before they arise. This allows for a level of hyper-personalization that goes far beyond traditional risk tolerance questionnaires, tailoring strategies to an individual's specific financial goals, time horizons, and even personal values, such as a preference for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing.

Furthermore, a key component is the client experience itself. This involves intuitive digital dashboards, mobile apps for real-time portfolio tracking, and integrated tools that provide a 360-degree view of a client's financial life. The goal is to create a hybrid service model where technology empowers human advisors, automating routine tasks so they can focus on providing complex, empathetic financial counsel. By tasking Dizard with this modernization, Huntington is aiming to build an ecosystem that is not only efficient but also deeply engaging for its clientele.

A Proven Leader with a Transformative Track Record

Huntington’s choice of Marc Dizard is a testament to his extensive and impactful career. With nearly two decades of experience, he has a history of steering large and complex investment operations. Most recently, as CIO at Market Street Trust Company, he led the transformation of the investment philosophy for a multi-generational family office, an environment that demands highly customized and sophisticated strategies.

His tenure at PNC Financial Services is particularly noteworthy. As chief investment strategist for PNC Asset Management, Dizard was a key figure in overseeing strategy for a staggering $190 billion in assets. His responsibilities included driving the vision for the investment process, expanding client relationships, and tailoring complex solutions to meet diverse needs. This experience managing a massive, multifaceted asset base provides him with the unique perspective needed to scale and enhance Huntington's platform.

Dizard's qualifications are impeccable, holding both the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations. His deep roots in the Ohio community, evidenced by his board service for organizations like PreventionFIRST! and the Cincinnati Zoo Foundation, also align with Huntington's community-focused ethos.

The Allure of Regional Banks for Top Talent

Dizard's move to Huntington is part of a broader industry trend where top-tier financial executives are increasingly drawn to regional banks. While global mega-banks offer scale, regional institutions present a unique opportunity for leaders to have a more direct and substantial impact on strategy and execution. At a bank like Huntington, a CIO can often operate with more agility, drive change more quickly, and see the direct results of their vision across the organization.

This talent shift suggests that the most compelling opportunities for growth and innovation in wealth management may no longer be confined to Wall Street. Regional players are becoming dynamic centers of influence, attracting leaders who want to build and shape the future of financial services from the ground up.

In his own words, Dizard expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge. "Huntington has a legacy of putting people first, and I'm energized by the opportunity to join a talented, disciplined and growing team connected by a shared vision," he stated. "My focus will be on enhancing and modernizing our investment platform and capabilities, all in support of helping our clients meet their goals." This appointment is a clear signal that Huntington is not just participating in the evolution of wealth management but is strategically positioning itself to lead.