Following Joe Exnicios’ official retirement on March 1, 2024, after 46 years of dedicated service, Hancock Whitney has appointed D. Shane Loper, the current Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Exnicios as the President of Hancock Whitney Bank.
In his new role, Loper assumes the title of president of Hancock Whitney Bank, a subsidiary of Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC), while retaining his position as Chief Operating Officer responsible for overseeing general banking execution, revenue generation, business strategy, and corporate services directly supporting revenue generation.
John Hairston, President and CEO of Hancock Whitney Corporation, commended Loper’s 34 years of service, astute executive leadership, and profound understanding of the banking industry, stating, “We congratulate him on yet another notable milestone in his exemplary service to our company, clients, communities, and associates and look forward to his continuing to guide this grand old bank’s growth across the Gulf South.”
Loper, who maintains dual offices and residences on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in New Orleans, expressed his deep honor and excitement in assuming the role of bank president, emphasizing the importance of the bank’s vision to be the premier Gulf South financial services institution.
Loper’s career with the company began as a computer programmer, and over the years, he has provided senior executive oversight for various critical functions within the organization, including corporate operations, human resources, compliance and risk management, information technology, business strategy, and merger and acquisition integration.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), a Master of Business Administration degree from Troy State University, and has completed the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Loper has received numerous accolades for his professional achievements and civic service, including being named to the Southern Miss Alumni Association Hall of Fame and recognized as one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s Leaders in Finance and Top 40 under 40 honorees.
Loper is actively involved in various community organizations and serves on the American Bankers Association Voter Education Advisory Board, the Son of a Saint board in New Orleans, and as the treasurer of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. He has also served as chair of the Mississippi School of Banking Board of Trustees and on the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services Board.
Additionally, Loper served as a Mississippi Army National Guard Infantry Officer and Major for over 16 years, demonstrating his commitment to serving his state and nation.
