The Consumers Bankers Association’s (CBA) executive banking school (EBS) celebrates 70 years of providing rising stars with the skills and broad perspective to propel them into complex leadership opportunities.
“Being chosen to attend EBS is a great achievement, reflecting the confidence and trust bank leadership has placed in their future leaders,” CBA President and CEO Richard Hunt said in a release. “As the banking industry rapidly evolves, we need capable and willing leaders to guide our institutions from a position of strength for years to come. EBS equips each student with the tools to do just that. Despite being held virtually this year, I am confident all attendees will grow their skillset, make new friends and network with the next generation of banking leaders from around the world.”
This year’s EBS session will be held virtually from July 18, 2021, to July 28, 2021. The program’s students graduate with knowledge of how various segments of retail banking are interrelated. The program, which is 10 days over the course of three years, focuses on three perspectives: the head of retail; chief financial officer and chief research officer; and the chief executive officer.
In the first year, students focus on how to manage the retail segment of a bank, including sessions on acquiring, segmenting and retaining customers, designing and price products, and effectively tailoring marketing messages. In the second, they learn about the concepts for managing a bank’s profitability, including analyzing financial data to measure future performance and assessing and managing risk. Students in the final year focus on managing a bank “from the top down,” including sessions on how to consider analysts’ recommendations, structure a merger, and evaluate key economic indicators.
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of EBS, a program designed to accelerate the professional growth of the next generation of retail bankers through an immersive learning experience focusing on finance, risk and strategic leadership,” CBA Board Chair and Head of Community Banking and Client Protection at Bank of America Christine Channels said. “Through these experiences, students will gain a deep understanding and appreciation of how various segments of retail banking are interrelated, while being taught by expert industry leaders.”
In addition to Hunt and Channels, students also hear from US Bank Chairman, President and CEO Andrew Cecere; First Financial President and CEO Archie Brown; Wells Fargo Executive Vice President (EVP), Regional Bank Executive, and CBA Board Chair-Elect Michelle Lee; Ally Financial Chief Financial Officer Jenn LaClair; and Citizens Bank EVP, Head of Core Banking, Simon Griffiths.
“I’m excited to welcome more than 200 banking leaders from across the country to EBS this year,” CBA Education Council Chair and President and Vice Chairman at Eastern Bank Quincy Miller said. “As a graduate of the program, I have always credited EBS with advancing my understanding of not only what a successful bank looks like, but how to run a successful bank.
“The breadth and depth of learning – both from the curriculum and my classmates – has been invaluable, and many of the friendships I made more than 17 years ago are still a part of my life today,” he added. “Although we are not meeting in person this year, I am confident the program will continue to make the same meaningful difference in the careers of these talented individuals and the banking industry as a whole.”
Other notable alumni from the EBS include Andy Harmening, Associated Bank president and CEO; Todd Barnhart, PNC EVP and retail distribution executive; Jim Fugitte, former CEO of Wind Energy and Fort Knox National Bank (retired); Cassandra McKinney, Comercia EVP, retail bank, and CBA board member; Ricardo Serano, BBVA EVP, risk control assurance; and Lori Von Heyking, Woodforest EVP, chief human resources officer.