Mark Hoppe, Chicago region president at Fifth Third Bank, plans to retire at the end of the year following a 45-year career in the banking industry. Mark Heckler, a senior commercial banker at Fifth Third, will succeed Hoppe.

Since joining Fifth Third Bank through the merger of Fifth Third and MB Financial in 2019, Hoppe’s leadership has fueled Fifth Third’s growth as a middle-market bank in the Chicago market. After his retirement, he will serve in a senior advisory capacity for the bank.

“Mark Hoppe has made a substantial and lasting impact on customers, employees and communities. He has established a unique legacy in the Chicago market,” Tim Spence, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank, said. “We are grateful for his leadership and significant contributions. We wish Mark nothing but the best in his retirement.”

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside so many talented bankers dedicated to our customers and community,” Hoppe said. “I know that there are many more exciting growth opportunities ahead for Fifth Third, and the Chicago market is in great hands with Mark Heckler.”

During his two decades at Fifth Third and MB Financial, Heckler has held various leadership roles, including those in commercial real estate, specialty commercial banking, leasing, wealth and risk management.

“Mark Heckler’s experience as head of commercial banking coupled with a deep understanding of the needs of the Chicago market and its diverse communities make him the ideal fit to lead Fifth Third to continued success in Chicago,” Kris Garrett, group regional president and head of wealth and asset management at Fifth Third Bank, said. “Under Mark’s leadership, we look forward to growing our market share and continuing to serve our customers and communities in this key region.”