Host to replace Hickson as Trustmark president/CEO

JACKSON — The boards of directors of Trustmark Corporation and its subsidiary, Trustmark National Bank, have named Gerard R. “Jerry” Host as president and CEO of both companies upon the retirement of Richard G. Hickson as CEO on Dec. 31.

Hickson said, “Throughout his tenure with Trustmark, Jerry has provided key leadership in developing and implementing the company’s strategic plans and operations, which is reflected in our continued solid performance, and I am certain he will continue to build value for our shareholders.”

Host currently serves as a director of both companies, as well as president and COO of Trustmark National Bank, a position he has held since 2008. During his 26 years with Trustmark, Host has served in various executive management capacities, including president and COO of the General Banking, Consumer Services and Financial Services divisions, as well as CFO.

He is a director of the New Orleans Branch Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Mississippi Bankers Association. He is past treasurer and serves on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee for the Mississippi Economic Council and is past chairman of the board for Pulse-EFT Association, now a subsidiary of Discover Financial Services Inc.

Hickson will continue to serve as chairman of Trustmark and Trustmark National Bank until the annual shareholders meeting in May 2011, at which time he will retire.