George Gleason is the Chairman and CEO of Bank OZK, a position he's held since 1979. He has a practical background in finance, holding a B.A. in Business and Economics from Hendrix College and a J.D. from the University of...

George Gleason is the Chairman and CEO of Bank OZK, a position he's held since 1979. He has a practical background in finance, holding a B.A. in Business and Economics from Hendrix College and a J.D. from the University of Arkansas. Under his leadership, Bank OZK has seen strong growth, making it one of the leading regional banks in the U.S. In recent years, Gleason's compensation has shown significant increases, reflecting the bank's financial success. For example, in 2013, his total compensation was over $4 million. He has a significant stake in the bank, owning millions in shares. Interestingly, Gleason does not participate in cash incentive plans but focuses on long-term stock options, aligning his financial interests with those of shareholders. His strategies involve a balance between rewarding employees and ensuring that performance metrics safeguard the bank's financial health. Beyond the numbers, his approach combines solid education, years of experience, and a deep understanding of community banking, shaping Bank OZK into what it is today.