Regions Bank promoted Fred Behnke to head of the bank’s homebuilder finance team. Behnke most recently served as regional manager for the company’s east region and will succeed Danny Hill, who retired from Regions. David Jewell will be Behnke’s successor as regional manager for the company’s east region and Justin Smith will succeed Jewell as relationship manager for the east region.

“Homebuilders nationwide are working to meet a significant demand for housing, and it pays to have a productive relationship with financial professionals who have the experience to help guide clients through all economic cycles,” Mike Smith, head of the real estate banking division at Regions Bank, said. “Fred’s successful tenure here at Regions, combined with the insights of our entire homebuilder finance team, will help us deliver even greater value for clients while supporting the development of important housing opportunities throughout our footprint.”

Behnke joined AmSouth Bank, a predecessor to Regions, in 1999 as a homebuilder finance relationship manager serving clients across Florida. He was promoted to regional manager in 2007.

“Regions operates in vibrant, growing markets across the Southeast, Texas and beyond. Our team is helping homebuilders meet the needs of today, plan for the opportunities of tomorrow and build sustainable success,” Behnke said. “With market volatility, inflation and higher interest rates of late, many homeowners are having to adjust their financial goals. However, housing continues to be a major need in growth communities across the Southeast, and we see many of our homebuilders adjusting their business plans to maximize cash flow to help meet the continued demand for housing. I’m incredibly proud of the entire homebuilder finance team and the collaborative approach we take to providing customized, tailored solutions to meet the needs of homebuilders. Our relationship-based approach to service is another way we’re distinguishing Regions in the marketplace and helping clients reach their comprehensive financial goals.”

“When homebuilders work with Regions, they are working with professionals who have a deep understanding of their industry, their challenges and their opportunities,” Smith said. “Danny Hill’s years of dedicated leadership positioned us well for the future. Fred Behnke, David Jewell, Justin Smith and all members of the homebuilder finance team are committed to building on Danny’s legacy of service while keeping clients first.”