TAMPA, Fla. – Aug. 6, 2026 – Regions Bank on Thursday announced Chris Papp has joined the company as Commercial Banking Leader for the Tampa Bay area, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to supporting business growth and delivering strategic financial solutions throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas. Papp will serve as part of Tampa Bay Market President and Commercial Banking Executive April Grajales’ team supporting business clients and leading commercial banking efforts across the market.
Papp brings more than 23 years of commercial banking experience and has held leadership roles spanning commercial and industrial lending, commercial real estate finance, portfolio management and credit administration. In his new role, he will oversee commercial banking growth, client relationship strategies and team leadership across the Tampa Bay market.
Why This Appointment Matters to Tampa Bay
Chris Papp has built a solid reputation based on deep relationships and strategic insights designed to help clients succeed, and that’s what makes him such a strong fit for our team and this leadership role April Grajales, Tampa Bay Market President and Commercial Banking Executive
As Tampa Bay continues to experience population growth and business growth, particularly across sectors including healthcare, technology, manufacturing and commercial real estate, Regions Bank is strengthening its Commercial Banking team to further meet the evolving needs of thriving companies. Further, from small businesses to major employers, more Regions bankers are focused each day on helping companies strengthen their business plans and build sustainable growth.
“Chris Papp has built a solid reputation based on deep relationships and strategic insights designed to help clients succeed, and that’s what makes him such a strong fit for our team and this leadership role,” said Grajales. “He understands this market because he’s grown alongside it. Chris is deeply invested in the Tampa Bay Area and has a unique gift for developing talented bankers. His leadership will make a positive impact on our clients while strengthening the communities we serve.”
Chris Papp’s Commercial Banking Leadership Background
Papp joins Regions Bank from First Horizon, where he served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Middle Market Banking. Prior to that, he held leadership positions with TD Bank, Hancock Bank, PNC Bank, BB&T and SunTrust. Papp began his career through SunTrust’s Commercial Associate Training Program, completing formal commercial credit training before advancing into portfolio management, relationship management and lending leadership roles.
Local businesses serve a vital role in creating opportunities and uplifting communities, and I’m looking forward to helping Regions’ clients navigate growth and achieve their long-term goals. Chris Papp, Tampa Bay Commercial Banking Leader
“I’ve lived here for more than 35 years, and it’s been rewarding to watch the Tampa Bay region evolve into one of the most dynamic business markets in the country while maintaining its strong sense of community,” said Papp. “After more than two decades in commercial banking, I’ve learned the best results come from building strong relationships and developing great people. Local businesses serve a vital role in creating opportunities and uplifting communities, and I’m looking forward to helping Regions’ clients navigate growth and achieve their long-term goals.”
Papp’s broad experience aligns with the bank’s relationship-based Regions360 approach, which brings together bankers from Regions’ Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and Wealth Management divisions to work as one united team focused on understanding clients’ full financial picture and connecting them with the right services and solutions.
Commitment to Tampa Bay Community Engagement
Papp has a longstanding record of community involvement, including service with First Tee Tampa Bay, the Brandon Rotary Club, Boy Scout Troop 89, Leadership Tampa and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy program.
“Many people and businesses relocate to the Tampa Bay market because of our great quality of life and positive business climate. Chris, however, has spent most of his life here, and not just as a banker but as someone who gives back to the places he serves,” Grajales noted. “That type of involvement directly aligns with Regions’ clear mission to Make Life Better.”
Q&A: Get to Know Chris Papp
What excites you most about your new role?
The opportunity to make a greater impact for Regions clients, our team and the Tampa Bay community. I’ve seen the customer-focused leadership of April Grajales and the enthusiasm of the broader team here at Regions, and it’s an exciting place to be.
What makes Regions Bank in Tampa Bay special?
Regions Bank combines the capabilities of a larger firm with the accessibility and responsiveness of a local, hometown bank. We have incredible specialty capabilities for businesses, from Treasury Management to Capital Markets and more. At the same time, there’s local decision-making and a history of investing in the area’s growth.
What are your top priorities as Commercial Banking Leader?
Investing in our people, strengthening client relationships and driving sustainable growth while maintaining Regions’ solid history of strong credit quality and risk discipline.
How do you envision Regions supporting the community?
Strong communities start with strong businesses and engaged leadership. Regions can make a meaningful impact by helping companies grow while encouraging team members to remain actively involved in the communities they serve.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $161 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,200 banking offices and more than 1,750 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.