Capital One announced that Robert M. Stuart, Jr., head of Middle Market Commercial Banking, will retire April 1 after more than 37 years of service to Capital One and its predecessor banks.
In his role as head of Commercial & Industrial Banking, Bob McCarrick will take over the majority of Stuart’s responsibilities. Longtime Capital One Commercial Banking and New Orleans executive Steve Hemperley will assume the role of head of Middle Market Regional Sales. Stuart has managed this long-planned move to ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership team.
“It has been an honor to lead an exceptional team of Commercial Banking professionals across Capital One’s footprint,” said Stuart. “We’ve made great progress in establishing Capital One as a trusted and solutions-driven partner for commercial banking clients, and I am confident that Bob and Steve will do an excellent job of continuing to grow the business and provide our customers with the highest levels of service.”
Stuart joined Hibernia National Bank in 1986 when Fidelity National Bank, for which he served as a Commercial Lending department manager, merged with Hibernia Corporation. Before Capital One’s acquisition of Hibernia in 2005, Stuart served as Hibernia’s Chief Credit Officer. He has led Capital One’s Middle Market Commercial Banking business since 2011, serving Commercial and Industrial clients.
“Rob has successfully directed Capital One’s Middle Market banking team, setting a high standard for strategic leadership and exhibiting a steadfast commitment to our clients and communities. It’s a legacy I plan to uphold,” said McCarrick. “Our leadership in Louisiana remains strong as Rob retires, with Steve leading our national sales efforts from New Orleans and Chris Haskew continuing to serve as Regional Middle Market Manager for Louisiana and State Market President out of Baton Rouge.”
A native of Baton Rouge, Stuart received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance from Louisiana State University (LSU). He serves as Chairperson of the board and Director of the LSU Foundation. He is also a member of the executive committee and board of the Louisiana Flagship Coalition. In addition, Stuart serves on the boards of Blueprint Louisiana, Council for a Better Louisiana, and the Shaw Center for the Arts., He is a member of LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council and member of the Ourso College’s Hall of Distinction. He is past chair of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Woman’s Hospital and Southeast Louisiana Super Regional Committee. He also completed the General Manager Program at Harvard Business School.
“Rob has had a tremendous, positive impact on the banking industry, colleagues he has led and worked with, local communities, and the people and businesses of Louisiana,” said Hemperley. “Thanks to his leadership, Capital One is well-positioned to continue providing commercial clients with innovative products and best-of-class service, and our commitment to making a positive difference in the communities of Louisiana and beyond remains strong.”