First Horizon Taps Comerica CIO to Lead Wealth Management
Event summary
- First Horizon Bank has appointed Eric Teal as Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of its Wealth Management division.
- Teal previously served as CIO at Comerica, a regional bank with a significant wealth management presence.
- He brings over 20 years of experience in investment management, including prior roles at U.S. Bank and First Citizens Bank.
- First Horizon's assets under management totaled $83.9 billion as of December 31, 2025.
- Teal holds advanced degrees from the University of Memphis and the London School of Economics.
The big picture
The appointment of Teal signals First Horizon's intent to bolster its wealth management capabilities in a competitive landscape. Regional banks are increasingly focused on expanding their wealth management offerings to diversify revenue streams and attract high-net-worth clients. Teal’s extensive experience suggests a desire for a more disciplined and client-centric investment approach, potentially aimed at differentiating First Horizon from its peers.
What we're watching
- Strategy Shift
- Teal’s arrival suggests a potential shift in First Horizon’s investment strategy, given his experience at Comerica and prior roles. The focus will be on how Teal’s approach differs from the existing strategy and whether it leads to measurable improvements in AUM growth or client satisfaction.
- Team Integration
- The success of Teal’s tenure hinges on his ability to effectively integrate his team and leadership style with the existing First Horizon Wealth Management professionals. Any friction or resistance to change could impede the implementation of new strategies.
- Client Retention
- Given Teal’s focus on client engagement, it will be important to monitor client retention rates within First Horizon Wealth Management. A decline in client retention could signal a disconnect between Teal’s approach and client expectations.
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