First Citizens Bank has said that James Bennett has been appointed to the newly created role of executive director of External Affairs. Bennett, whose new position was effective January 1, 2024, will report to chairman and CEO Frank B. Holding, Jr. He will remain based in Columbia. In the new role, Bennett will now be responsible for nationwide community engagement, as well as strengthening relationships with state and federal government officials, members of Congress, trade groups and other public policy stakeholders.

Bennett most recently served as Mid-South area executive at First Citizens, overseeing commercial, business and retail banking efforts, and leading market development efforts in the Columbia and Aiken areas of South Carolina and the Augusta area of Georgia. Prior to that, Bennett was executive vice president and director of public affairs for First Citizens Bank - South Carolina, before its merger with North Carolina-headquartered First Citizens Bank. During his career, Bennett has also served as chief executive officer at South Carolina Community Bank (now Optus Bank) and at the Columbia bank.

Kevin Lindler, a former regional banking executive for First Citizens in Columbia, has assumed Bennett's prior role as Mid-South area executive.