SunTrust appoints new general counsel and secretary

Ellen Fitzsimmons has joined SunTrust Banks as general counsel and corporate executive vice president. She reports to SunTrust chair and CEO Bill Rogers, and also serves as corporate secretary of the SunTrust board of directors.

Fitzsimmons succeeds Raymond Fortin, who had previously announced his intention to retire, according to the company. He had been general counsel since 1995, having joined SunTrust in 1989.

Fitzsimmons was previously executive vice president of law and public affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary of CSX Corporation. According to an October 25 statement from CSX, she was due to leave the company on November 15. At that time, Nathan Goldman, the company’s vice president for risk compliance and general counsel was due to be promoted to executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, with Fitzsimmons supporting the transition until early 2018.

In a statement at that time, then CSX president and CEO Hunter Harrison (who has since died), says: ‘On behalf of the board of directors and all CSX employees, I would… like to sincerely thank… Ellen for [her] dedication to the company and wish [her] well in [her] future endeavors.’

‘Ellen Fitzsimmons has a strong business and legal background in addition to experience working with regulatory agencies and ensuring high standards for compliance and client service,’ Rogers says in a statement. ‘She will provide valuable counsel and insight to SunTrust as we both grow our business and fulfill our purpose of advancing financial well-being.

‘Ray Fortin has earned the respect of our company and the industry. His counsel to our board and leadership team has contributed to consecutive years of performance improvement and strengthened relationships with many of our constituents. His commitment to our clients and communities will have lasting results for years to come.’