Lee Blank, Regions Bank’s Nashville market president and private wealth management regional executive for Tennessee, will retire at the end of 2026 following 43 years of service to the bank’s clients and communities.
Chris Claybrook, a veteran Nashville banker who has served Regions and its clients since 1993, will succeed Blank as Nashville market president effective January 2027.
“As the longest-serving bank in Nashville, Regions Bank has been helping people and businesses succeed here for generations,” John Turner, chairman, president and CEO of Regions Financial, said. “Lee Blank has served a major role in strengthening our presence in one of the nation’s most dynamic markets. As we looked ahead, it was important to select a leader who understands Nashville, understands our clients and shares our commitment to relationship-based banking. Chris Claybrook embodies those qualities and is exceptionally well positioned to lead Regions Bank’s next chapter in Nashville as we continue investing in this strategic growth market.”
Among highlights of Blank’s tenure with Regions Bank are:
- Leading the move of Regions Bank’s Nashville headquarters to an expanded Music Row office space at Roundabout Plaza
- Resuming Regions’ role as the official bank of the Nashville Predators, as well as Bridgestone Arena
- Modernizing Regions’ local branch network, placing a greater premium on personal service from bankers who help customers build a tailored roadmap toward reaching financial goals
- Advancing Regions’ ‘Build the Best Team’ priority, fostering collaboration that brings together departments from across the bank to collectively meet clients’ needs
- Supporting efforts to preserve affordable housing as Nashville continues its explosive growth
- Deepening community involvement by focusing on economic development, workforce readiness, education and financial wellness
“As I reflect on my career, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Nashville alongside such talented teams and remarkable clients,” Blank said. “What makes Regions Bank special is our commitment to relationships and local leadership. Nashville has experienced tremendous population and business growth, and Regions has grown right alongside it. I am confident Chris Claybrook will build on that momentum here in one of America’s most vibrant cities while also strengthening the bank’s deep connections across Middle Tennessee.”
Claybrook has spent more than 30 years helping Regions Bank clients grow and succeed, including 15 years in Nashville as commercial banking executive working closely with Blank and Regions’ entire Nashville team. As commercial banking executive, Claybrook directly leads experienced bankers serving key businesses and major employers across multiple industries.
“It is an incredible honor to follow Lee Blank and serve as Nashville market president for Regions Bank,” Claybrook said. “Regions has deep roots in this community, and our commitment to Nashville is long-term and unwavering. We believe businesses, families and organizations benefit when working with local bankers who understand their goals and are invested in their success.”
Claybrook is actively involved in the Nashville community through Leadership Nashville, Junior Achievement’s executive committee and past board chairman, Rotary Club of Downtown Nashville, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Nashville’s future is bright, and Regions Bank is part of that future,” Claybrook said. “Whether serving consumers, business owners, Music Row clients, nonprofits or wealth management clients, we will continue delivering the experience, insights, personal service and local decision-making that set Regions Bank apart.”
In addition to Claybrook, Regions Bank’s broader local leadership network will collaborate to strengthen the company’s strong business and community relationships. Specifically:
- Frank Schriner will step into the role of private wealth leader for Metro Nashville.
- Stephen Russell will assume Blank’s leadership over private wealth management teams serving investment clients across Tennessee.
- Melanie Blank will continue leading consumer banking teams across Middle and East Tennessee.
Together, these leaders will continue advancing Regions360, the bank’s collaborative approach that brings together consumer banking, commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage teams to provide more holistic financial guidance and solutions.
“Regions360 allows us to deliver the full strength of our bank through one coordinated team,” Claybrook said. “That approach, and our deep local knowledge and longstanding commitment, all combine to make a meaningful difference for our clients.”
