David Hinman, senior vice president, Fifth Third Bank
Q What's new at your company?
A: I've been in my current role since January, so that's relatively still new. I formerly led the bank's retail business in the region. I'm enjoying getting out with the commercial bank team to meet clients, prospects and our peers throughout the region. At the same time, I always have an eye on the market volatility, regulations, interest rate uncertainty, merger and acquisition reports, and the ever-changing face of technology - both in our industry and the world at large.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: We are always hiring in various business lines throughout the bank; there are many excellent opportunity available. We have worked hard to be an employer of choice in the Chicagoland region and welcome anyone interested in joining our team to visit us online at www.53.com
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: Our challenges are really our opportunities.
With that said, we are focused on winning the talent war, finding the best talent in the market and hiring them; at the same time we are focused on expanding our commercial banking client list, and taking excellent care of existing clients.
Lastly, the bank's commitment to serving community is like no other, we roll up our sleeves and help in numerous ways from raising money for hunger, donating community gardens to schools in food desert areas, financial empowerment and supporting local veterans related organizations.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: Not unlike all the other banks in the region, we continue to focus on controlling our fixed costs, managing and adherence of governmental and regulatory compliance, and furthering the reach and connection of our wealth management team to interested consumers.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a rookie CEO, what would it be?
A: It's so simple: Listen to your employees and customers.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: Be curious, own it, do the right thing … all while showing you care.
Q: From a business outlook, who do you look up to?
A: Ajay Banga, CEO at MasterCard. I worked with Ajay many years ago and his business acumen and global perspective was, and is, an incredible influence on me. I find what he's currently doing in the digital space with MasterCard is impressive. For him, it's not just about one product per se, it's about the entire business - how it will always change. Instead of looking at today, he's always looking ahead, 5 years, 10 years, and so on.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you or your company that most people may not know?
A: How we got our name. The bank's origins go back to the Bank of the Ohio Valley, which opened in Cincinnati in 1858. In 1871, that bank was purchased by the Third National Bank. With the turn of the century came the union of the Third National Bank and the Fifth National Bank, which eventually became known as "Fifth Third Bank."
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: Ski, travel, boating.
Q: What book is on your nightstand?
A: The Outlier, Malcolm Gladwell gives a fascinating look at the world of "outliers" - the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful.
He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different?
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Risk and deadlines
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: Cutting lawns
Q: If you could put your company name on a sports venue, which one would you choose?
A: Wrigley Field!
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why?
A: @Pontifex (The Pope) - because of his daily inspiring messages and @AndrewHayesPR, our regional head of PR and reputation - he's a 'man about town' and it's always fascinating to see and hear who he's connecting with on behalf of the bank.