John M. Hairston is the CEO of Hancock Whitney Corporation, a position he has held since 2006. He has a solid background in finance and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Under his leadership, Hancock Whitney has seen significant...

John M. Hairston is the CEO of Hancock Whitney Corporation, a position he has held since 2006. He has a solid background in finance and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Under his leadership, Hancock Whitney has seen significant corporate developments, especially in performance metrics like adjusted earnings per share and credit quality. Hairston plays an active role in the company's incentives, meaning his compensation strongly aligns with how well the company performs, demonstrating a true pay-for-performance philosophy. Interestingly, he received over 5 million in total compensation in 2023, not including stock options but reflecting his success in meeting corporate performance goals. His strategy involves focusing on the company's growth, with past years showing substantial bonuses that reflected nearly double the targeted performance in some instances. Hairston is also an influential figure in the community, serving on several boards including the Mississippi Gaming Commission and the Mississippi State University College of Business Executive Advisory Board. This shows his commitment to both his company and the community, blending his financial expertise with his leadership in public service.