Harris H. Simmons has been the CEO of Zions Bancorporation since 2002, steering the company as it grew from $3 billion to $57 billion in assets. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in finance, shaping a...

Harris H. Simmons has been the CEO of Zions Bancorporation since 2002, steering the company as it grew from $3 billion to $57 billion in assets. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in finance, shaping a foundation for his long career in banking, spanning over 40 years. During his tenure, he emphasized performance-based pay, aligning executive goals with those of shareholders. In 2023, his total compensation was around $4.8 million, which includes a significant annual cash incentive. Reducing risk and improving financial management has been key to his leadership, influencing Zions' strategic direction. He owns a substantial stake in the company, with insider trading reaching over $60 million in stock value back in January 2023, showcasing his strong belief in the organization. Interestingly, when evaluating his performance metrics over the years, the focus on effective risk management became apparent, reinforcing a culture of accountability and growth within Zions. Harris serves on various boards and is still actively engaged in multiple initiatives, including his past role with the American Bankers Association.