John M. Hairston

John M. Hairston is President and Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Whitney Corporation, Inc.(HWC) the $36 billion parent company of Hancock Whitney Bank. 

Hancock Whitney has earned recommendations as one of America’s strongest, safest financial institutions from BauerFinancial, Inc.—the nation’s leading independent bank rating and analysis firm—for 130 consecutive quarters, over 32 years. Hancock Whitney’s commitment to South Louisiana and the City of New Orleans began more than 130 years ago. Today, that pledge to help people achieve their financial goals and dreams continues as Hancock Whitney grows and advances along with the people and communities of our region.

John Hairston has served as CEO since 2006, having joined the company in 1994. Earlier in his career, he specialized in financial services consulting with Andersen Consulting (Now Accenture).

Hairston is active in business, community, economic development, and educational initiatives throughout the Gulf South. 

In 2021, Hancock Whitney invested $5 million in philanthropic donations and community sponsorships to empower communities across the Gulf South. Hairston and Hancock Whitney associates performed thousands of hours of community service with a focus on expanding financial education in local neighborhoods. Across South Louisiana, they support hundreds of non-profits working to make the region a better place. Hancock Whitney spearheads partnerships with Café Reconcile, Son of a Saint, KIPP Schools, and of course, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, to ensure students have a strong base of financial education. 

Hairston is a past member of the American Bankers Association Board of Directors and Audit Committee, past chairman of the Financial Education and Advocacy Committee in Washington, D.C., past chairman of the American Bankers Council, and trustee, executive committee member, and Audit Chair of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. He also served on the faculty of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and the University of Georgia.  

Hairston is a Gulfport High School graduate, and magna cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. Hairston and his wife of 30 years, Ann, co-domicile in New Orleans and Gulfport.