Capitalizing on the promise of AI in banking with Kevin Gillen

July 2, 2026

Kevin Gillen has been in the banking industry for some 40 years, and a Tampa Bay and Sarasota executive for Synovus Bank since 2020. On this episode of From the Corner Office, Kevin and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talked about the power — and perils — of AI in banking and other sectors, and some of the trendlines Kevin sees in the region’s economy the rest of 2026. They also talked about Synovus Bank’s transition to Pinnacle in the merger between the two institutions and why hiring is so important to maintain a strong culture.

3 Takeaways

(12:20) Be ultra selective with who you hire
(14:00) People first mentality
(19:20) Change is a breeder for opportunity

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing Kevin Gillen, Regional President, Gulf Coast, Synovus Bank/Pinnacle Financial Partners
(02:15) Rapid fire questions - Book recommendations, dream dinner meeting, tv shows, and emojis
(09:00) Synovus and Pinnacle merger
(14:35) Kevin’s top level thoughts on AI
(19:50) Expectations for Sarasota-Bradenton market
(23:45) What are you looking forward to in 2026?

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