Synovus Bank Names New CEO and President for The Family Office (TFO)
Synovus Bank has appointed Walt Deriso as the new CEO and Hamilton Hilsman as president of The Family Office (TFO). These strategic leadership changes are aimed at enhancing client relationships and expanding the services offered by TFO.
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
As CEO, Walt Deriso will take the helm of TFO, driving its overall direction and focusing on strengthening client relationships and expanding service offerings. Hamilton Hilsman, as president, will lead the team in fostering innovation within advisory services, specifically catering to ultra-high-net-worth families.
Deriso will report to Wayne Akins, executive vice president and chief community banking and wealth services officer for Synovus, while Hilsman will report directly to Deriso.
Leadership Vision for TFO’s Future
Wayne Akins expressed excitement about the leadership transition, stating, “Their leadership and vision usher in an exciting new phase for The Family Office at Synovus, as we expand our offerings and continue to deliver the best client experience in the industry.”
Walt Deriso’s Experience and Contributions
Deriso brings nearly a decade of experience at Synovus, most recently serving as senior vice president and director of strategic growth and family office solutions for TFO. With over 25 years of experience in the family office and banking industries, Deriso has expertise in startup formation, capital raising, early-stage development, growth, and mergers and acquisitions. He also serves on The UHNW Institute’s Leaders Council and is actively involved in the Atlanta community, chairing the Collective Learning Academy’s board and coaching Buckhead Buddy Baseball.
Deriso holds an MBA from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University.
Hamilton Hilsman’s Expertise and Leadership
Hilsman, with more than 30 years of experience in financial services, has spent 28 of those years at Synovus. He joined TFO in 2004 as a relationship manager and was named director in 2007. Before his role in TFO, Hilsman worked as a commercial lender. He is known for his thought leadership, frequently speaking on topics related to multi-generational families and family enterprises in the wealth management and family office industries.
Hilsman is also an active member of the Columbus community, serving as chair of the Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation and as a board member of the 1909 Preservation Society. He earned both an MBA and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.
Synovus Bank, a prominent financial institution based in Georgia, has made two significant leadership changes in its Family Office (TFO). Walt Deriso has been named CEO, and Hamilton Hilsman has been appointed president. These appointments mark a new era for TFO, signaling the bank’s commitment to expanding its wealth management services for ultra-high-net-worth families. Both leaders bring years of experience and deep expertise in financial services, making them well-suited to guide TFO into its next phase of growth and innovation.
New Leadership Roles: Defining Strategic Direction
The Family Office at Synovus has long been dedicated to providing bespoke financial solutions to high-net-worth families. With the appointment of Walt Deriso as CEO, Synovus aims to build on its legacy by further enhancing client relationships, broadening the suite of services offered, and driving sustainable growth. Deriso’s leadership will focus on identifying new opportunities for expanding TFO’s offerings, creating strategies to deliver greater value, and ensuring Synovus remains at the forefront of wealth management.
As president, Hamilton Hilsman will focus on overseeing TFO’s advisory services, which include managing complex wealth strategies for ultra-high-net-worth families. His primary objective is to continue driving innovation, particularly in areas such as multi-generational wealth planning, tax efficiency strategies, and estate planning. Hilsman’s extensive background in managing family offices positions him to lead TFO’s efforts in meeting the unique needs of its clientele.
A Vision for Growth and Client-Centric Solutions
Wayne Akins, executive vice president and chief community banking and wealth services officer for Synovus, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointments, highlighting their shared commitment to delivering unparalleled client service. He stated, “Their leadership and vision mark an exciting new chapter for The Family Office at Synovus, as we grow our client offerings while maintaining the industry’s best client experience.”
Both Deriso and Hilsman understand that the financial services landscape is constantly evolving, and that client needs are becoming more complex and diversified. The team at Synovus TFO is committed to staying ahead of the curve by offering dynamic and integrated strategies that align with their clients’ goals, regardless of how those goals may evolve over time.
Walt Deriso’s Extensive Background in Wealth Management
Walt Deriso has an impressive track record of nearly a decade at Synovus, and he brings more than 25 years of experience in the family office and banking industries to his new role as CEO. Prior to his appointment, Deriso served as senior vice president and director of strategic growth and family office solutions for TFO. His work in this capacity included overseeing strategic initiatives, exploring new business opportunities, and spearheading TFO’s long-term growth strategy.
Throughout his career, Deriso has developed deep expertise in key areas such as startup formation, capital raising, early-stage development, growth, and mergers and acquisitions. His leadership style is rooted in a client-first philosophy, with a focus on building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and collaboration.
Deriso’s involvement with The UHNW Institute’s Leaders Council reflects his thought leadership in the wealth management space. He has consistently advocated for policies and strategies that empower high-net-worth families to manage and grow their wealth effectively. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Deriso is highly active in the Atlanta community, where he serves as chair of the Collective Learning Academy’s board and as commissioner and coach of Buckhead Buddy Baseball.
Deriso holds an MBA from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University. His academic background, combined with his extensive practical experience, positions him to lead Synovus TFO through an exciting period of expansion and transformation.
Hamilton Hilsman’s Expertise in Family Office Solutions
Hamilton Hilsman brings a wealth of experience to his role as president of TFO at Synovus. With over 30 years in the financial services industry, 28 of those years spent at Synovus, Hilsman is a seasoned professional who understands the unique challenges faced by ultra-high-net-worth families. He joined TFO in 2004 as a relationship manager and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming director in 2007.
Before joining TFO, Hilsman worked as a commercial lender, where he developed strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of corporate finance. His ability to analyze complex financial situations and craft solutions that address the specific needs of clients has been a defining characteristic of his career.
Hilsman is widely recognized as a thought leader in the wealth management and family office sectors. He frequently speaks at industry events on topics related to multi-generational families, family enterprises, and succession planning. His insights have made him a trusted advisor to families navigating the complexities of intergenerational wealth transfer.
In addition to his professional achievements, Hilsman is deeply committed to giving back to his community in Columbus, Georgia. He currently serves as the chair of the Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation and as a board member of the 1909 Preservation Society. Hilsman earned both his MBA and bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.
Synovus Bank: A Strong Financial Institution with a Focus on Client-Centered Solutions
Synovus Bank is a Georgia-chartered, FDIC-insured financial institution that offers a full range of commercial and consumer banking services. In addition to its core banking offerings, Synovus provides specialized financial solutions, including wealth management, treasury management, mortgage services, and asset-based lending. The bank serves a diverse clientele, ranging from individual consumers to large corporations, and operates branches across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Synovus is committed to providing its clients with innovative, tailored solutions that help them manage and grow their wealth. The bank’s client-centric approach has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner in the financial services industry. Synovus is also recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified Company, highlighting its commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture for its employees.
The Family Office at Synovus: A Legacy of Serving Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families
The Family Office at Synovus was founded in 1947 with the mission of helping ultra-high-net-worth families manage and grow their wealth while addressing complex financial, family, and business needs. Over the years, TFO has built a reputation for providing highly personalized, comprehensive financial services to affluent families in the U.S. and internationally.
With 45 dedicated team members and $11.0 billion in assets under administration, TFO at Synovus has developed a unique approach to wealth management. The team works closely with clients to understand their goals, values, and aspirations, creating customized strategies that address their specific needs. TFO offers a wide range of services, including investment management, wealth strategies, fiduciary services, and family enterprise solutions. These services are designed to help families navigate the complexities of wealth preservation, succession planning, and multi-generational wealth transfer.
TFO’s highly personalized approach is what sets it apart from other wealth management firms. The team takes the time to develop deep, trusting relationships with clients, ensuring that they receive the highest level of service and attention. This commitment to client success has earned TFO a reputation as one of the premier family office services in the industry
With the appointment of Walt Deriso as CEO and Hamilton Hilsman as president, Synovus Bank has positioned The Family Office for continued success and growth. Under their leadership, TFO will continue to evolve, adapting to the ever-changing financial landscape while maintaining its focus on delivering the best client experience in the industry.
As Synovus expands its client offerings and strengthens its leadership in the wealth management space, The Family Office at Synovus remains committed to its founding mission of helping ultra-high-net-worth families achieve their financial and personal goals. With a strong leadership team, a client-centric approach, and a legacy of excellence, Synovus is poised for a successful future in the wealth management sector.
For more information about Synovus Bank and The Family Office, visit synovus.com or synovusfamilyoffice.com.
About Synovus Bank
Synovus Bank is a Georgia-chartered, FDIC-insured financial institution offering a wide range of commercial and consumer banking services, including specialized products such as wealth management, treasury management, mortgage services, and asset-based lending. The bank operates branches across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee and is a Great Place to Work-Certified Company. For more information, visit synovus.com.
About The Family Office at Synovus
Founded in 1947, The Family Office at Synovus is committed to helping ultra-high-net-worth families achieve their financial and personal goals. With 45 team members and $11.0 billion in assets under administration, TFO provides comprehensive investment management, wealth strategies, fiduciary services, and family enterprise solutions to families both in the U.S. and internationally. TFO team members build deeply personal relationships with clients, crafting integrated strategies to address each family’s unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. Learn more at synovusfamilyoffice.com and follow them on LinkedIn.
