BancorpSouth names Springfield market president

BancorpSouth has named a successor for its retiring Springfield market president.

Jay Titus, who currently serves as executive vice president and has more than 20 years of financial industry experience, starts Oct. 1, the day current market President Dave Kunze retires, according to a news release. Kunze was among 227, or roughly 54 percent, of the 418 eligible employees companywide who chose to participate in BancorpSouth's early retirement program announced this summer.

“Dave Kunze has contributed much to the success of our Missouri operations, and he will be missed. At the same time, we are very pleased to have Jay Titus assume Dave’s management responsibilities in Springfield," said Bob Althoff, BancorpSouth northwest region president, in the release. "Jay has the experience, professionalism and knowledge to lead our management team in this important BancorpSouth market.”

In conjunction with Titus' promotion, BancorpSouth expanded the responsibilities of Senior Vice President Casey Pyle to include the role of head of lending in Springfield. He'll assume the extra responsibilities Oct. 1, BancorpSouth spokesman Randy Burchfield said.

Tupelo, Miss.-based BancorpSouth Inc. (NYSE: BXS), which operates six branches in Springfield, increased second-quarter earnings 0.6 percent to $20.8 million.

BXS shares were trading at $19.65 as of 10:08 a.m., compared to a 52-week range of $12.55 to $20.48.[[In-content Ad]]