# Kevin Blair

> Kevin S. Blair is the Atlanta-based president and CEO of Pinnacle Financial Partners, following its 2026 merger with Synovus. A banker since 1995, he previously led Synovus as chairman, president and CEO, after holding finance, operating and regional leadership roles at Synovus and SunTrust. His public leadership agenda emphasizes experienced bankers, local decision-making, client relationships and integration of the two firms.

- **Role:** President and CEO, Director, and Chair of the Executive Committee at Pinnacle Financial Partners
- **Organizations:** Pinnacle Financial Partners, Synovus Financial Corp., SunTrust Banks, Signet Bank, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Historical Society, Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America, Georgia Research Alliance, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation
- **Education:** B.B.A., Economics and Management, James Madison University, M.B.A., George Washington University
- **Known for:** Advanced from Synovus CFO to CEO between 2016 and 2021., Appointed Synovus board chair effective January 2023., Chosen to lead the combined Pinnacle-Synovus firm in 2026.

## Career timeline

- **1995** — Began banking career as a strategic planning analyst at Signet Bank in Richmond, Virginia.
- **2015** — Became corporate treasurer of SunTrust following regional and business leadership roles.
- **2016** — Joined Synovus as executive vice president and CFO, effective August 17.
- **2018** — Appointed senior executive vice president and COO in December.
- **2019** — Named Synovus president in December.
- **2020** — Elected to the Synovus board in December.
- **2021** — Became Synovus president and CEO on April 22.
- **2023** — Became Synovus board chair on January 1.
- **2026** — Became president and CEO of the combined Pinnacle Financial Partners following the January merger.

## Achievements

- Advanced from Synovus CFO to CEO between 2016 and 2021.
- Appointed Synovus board chair effective January 2023.
- Chosen to lead the combined Pinnacle-Synovus firm in 2026.
- Recognized in Atlanta magazine’s Atlanta 500, highlighted by George Washington University in February 2023.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Pinnacle announced an upcoming November 5 fireside chat with Blair and CFO Jamie Gregory at the BancAnalysts Association of Boston Conference.
- **2026-08** — Discussed Pinnacle’s Atlanta growth strategy and experience-based hiring approach in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution interview.
- **2026-05** — Spoke about culture at a combined-company orientation event in Columbus.
- **2026-01** — Took leadership of the merged company and rang the NYSE opening bell on January 13.

## Links

- Website: https://investors.pnfp.com/kevin-s-blair
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-blair-849a767

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/kevin-blair
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22