Bank splits market, names two presidents

Bank splits market, names two presidents

Scott Lubbers. Photo via linkedin.com

A regional bank has decided that two presidents are better than one.

Fifth Third Bank announced recently that Scott Lubbers and Tom Godfrey will become presidents of the Holland and Grand Haven/Muskegon markets, respectively.

Larry Koops, who is officially retiring from the bank in April 2015, previously served as president of Fifth Third’s lakeshore market, which included Holland, Grand Haven and Muskegon.

The Ohio-based bank decided to split the lakeshore market into separate entities in an effort to improve customer service.

Although their appointments were effective immediately, Lubbers and Godfrey will work closely with Koops over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition within the newly solidified separate markets, according to Koops.

“I served the combined lakeshore market, which really runs from Ludington through Allegan County along the lakeshore,” he said. “With my retirement announced for April, it gave us the chance to really solidify a presence in the communities where they both live and work.”

Koops has 17 years of experience as the lakeshore community president and a total of 32 years with the bank in various markets. He said he realized over time how important it is to have a smooth transition, which is why the two successors are stepping in immediately.

“They are appointed community presidents right now and that gives me a chance to back away a little and provide support at the same time. [My wife and I] are deeply rooted in this community and will continue to serve and be involved,” said Koops. “I couldn’t be more proud for these two gentlemen to be named my successor. The bank will be in great hands.”

As a Holland resident, Lubbers will oversee the Holland market in community-related activities, such as philanthropy and employee engagement in addition to his current role in commercial banking, according to a Fifth Third press release. He has more than 12 years of experience and has held positions in both commercial and real estate banking.

Godfrey will assume leadership of the Grand Haven/Muskegon market in a similar capacity as Lubbers, including maintaining his current role in commercial banking. Godfrey’s background and experience includes 30 years in the banking industry and he has developed several partnerships in the Muskegon community, according to the press release.

“I have known Scott and Tom their entire careers with the bank and both have served in various capacities, from retail banking to commercial banking to real estate banking,” said Koops. “They have great relationships with business owners … trusted advisors to many businesses now, so it is just a natural transition for us to have them take on additional leadership roles. They are very engaged in the communities they serve in.”

Lubbers serves on several community boards, including Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club of Holland and Good Samaritan Ministries.

Godfrey is a board member with the Muskegon Farmers Market, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Board and Muskegon Symphony.