First Horizon Bank Hires Wells Fargo Veteran to Lead New Branch Expansion
Event summary
- First Horizon Bank appoints James Petrillo as Vice President, De Novo New Build Leader effective August 10, 2026.
- Petrillo brings 21 years of banking experience, most recently as District Manager at Wells Fargo.
- He will oversee strategy and execution of new banking centers to optimize First Horizon's network.
- First Horizon reported $84.4 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026.
The big picture
First Horizon's hire underscores a push for regional dominance through physical expansion, a strategy increasingly rare in digital-first banking trends. With $84.4 billion in assets, the bank is doubling down on brick-and-mortar presence to compete with larger national players like Wells Fargo. The move signals confidence in traditional banking centers despite industry shifts toward mobile and online services.
What we're watching
- Expansion Strategy
- How First Horizon's new branch strategy will impact its market share in the southern U.S.
- Operational Efficiency
- Whether Petrillo can streamline new banking center rollouts to enhance client experience
- Talent Retention
- The pace at which First Horizon integrates senior leadership from competitors like Wells Fargo