Kessel D. Stelling, Jr. is the CEO and Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp., a role he has held since 2010. Before that, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Synovus. Kessel has extensive experience in banking, starting his career...

Kessel D. Stelling, Jr. is the CEO and Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp., a role he has held since 2010. Before that, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Synovus. Kessel has extensive experience in banking, starting his career back in 1974. He was previously the CEO of Bank of North Georgia and founded Riverside Bank, which merged with Synovus in 2006. This gives him a unique perspective on banking and leadership. Under his management, Synovus has focused on community development, sustainability, and financial inclusion. Kessel’s compensation reflects his performance-driven approach; in 2022, he earned about $4.99 million, including a substantial equity stake in the company. He is also known for his significant insider trading activity, particularly in the years leading up to 2023, where he made trades valued at over a million dollars in several months. After transitioning to the Executive Chairman role in 2021, he continues to provide advisory support to the company, which hints at his commitment to the organization's growth and stability. Kessel is not just a banker; he is someone deeply involved in making banking accessible and sustainable for all.