Meredith Forrester to Join Synovus as New Chief Audit Executive

Rhea-AI Summary

Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE: SNV) has appointed Meredith Forrester as executive vice president and chief audit executive, effective September 8. Forrester, previously at Truist, brings extensive experience in risk management and audit. She succeeds Steve Sawyer, who retires after 41 years, including 18 as chief audit executive. Synovus, with approximately $55 billion in assets, operates 285 branches across Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee, offering commercial and retail banking services.

Positive

• Appointment of Meredith Forrester as chief audit executive may enhance risk management and audit functions.
• Forrester's extensive experience could lead to improved operational efficiency.

Negative

• None.

COLUMBUS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE: SNV) today announced the appointment of Meredith Forrester as executive vice president and chief audit executive, effective September 8. She was most recently business, strategy and operations leader at Truist, following more than 15 years of leadership in risk management and audit at SunTrust. Forrester succeeds Steve Sawyer, who will retire after 41 years of service, including 18 years as chief executive auditor.

“Meredith is a highly experienced audit and risk management executive, with a strong record of leading transformational initiatives and high-performing teams,” said Kevin Blair, president and CEO of Synovus. “Under Steve’s leadership, and in conjunction with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, Synovus has built a robust and independent audit function, and we couldn’t be more excited for Meredith to build on Steve’s great work. We are so grateful to Steve for four decades of quiet and steady service, and we congratulate him on a well-earned retirement.”

Forrester joined SunTrust in 2000 and was appointed managing director, internal audit, in 2011; senior managing director, internal audit, in 2015; and deputy general auditor in 2019. Following the merger of SunTrust and BB&T, she was named business, strategy and operations leader at Truist, where she functioned as chief operating and administrative officer for Legal, HR, and Inclusion and Diversity.

Forrester earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Georgia State University.

Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $55 billion in assets. Synovus provides commercial and retail banking, investment, and mortgage services through 285 branches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Synovus is a Great Place to Work-Certified Company and is on the web at synovus.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210825005013/en/

Lee Underwood

Corporate Communications

706.644.0528

Source: Synovus Financial Corp.

FAQ

Who is the new chief audit executive of Synovus Financial Corp?

Meredith Forrester has been appointed as the new chief audit executive effective September 8.

What is the significance of Meredith Forrester's appointment for Synovus (SNV)?

Her extensive experience in audit and risk management is expected to strengthen Synovus's audit functions.

Why is Steve Sawyer retiring from Synovus Financial Corp?

Steve Sawyer is retiring after 41 years of service, including 18 years as chief audit executive.

When did Synovus Financial Corp announce the new appointment?

The announcement was made today, detailing the appointment effective September 8.