Hilltop Holdings Inc (HTH)

[Enterprising Investor]

Hilltop Holdings Inc. Announces James H. Ross Resignation as President & CEO of Southwest Securities (4/13/15)

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH) today announced that James H. Ross resigned as President and CEO of Southwest Securities effective immediately. Southwest Securities was acquired earlier this year as part of Hilltop’s purchase of SWS Group, Inc., a provider of a broad range of investment and financial services.

Mr. Ross served as President and CEO of SWS Group from August 2010 to December 2014. Mr. Ross came to Southwest Securities in 2004 to head the Private Client Group’s brokerage office in Dallas, Texas. He served as CEO of SWS Financial Services, Inc. from March 2004 to April 2011. Mr. Ross also served as the Director of the Private Client Group at Southwest Securities from March 2004 to March 2008. In September 2007, he was elected President and CEO of Southwest Securities, Inc.

As President and CEO of SWS Group, Mr. Ross led the company’s $100 million capital raise and the successful sale to Hilltop. He also oversaw the successful rehabilitation of the banking subsidiary, Southwest Securities, FSB.

Mr. Ross stated, “I have enjoyed my years with SWS and have been honored to work with so many dedicated and talented people, sharing both challenges and successes as we charted a course together toward a brighter future.”

“We very much appreciate Jim’s efforts in leading SWS Group and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Jeremy B. Ford, President and CEO of Hilltop.

First Southwest and Southwest Securities are both part of Hilltop Securities Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Hilltop. At this time, First Southwest and Southwest Securities operate as separate broker-dealers under coordinated leadership, while awaiting necessary regulatory approvals to be obtained and systems integrations to be completed.

Robert W. Peterson will now assume the role of President and CEO of Southwest Securities, where he will continue to lead day to day integration efforts. Upon complete integration of First Southwest and Southwest Securities, Mr. Peterson will assume the previously announced role of President and COO of the combined broker-dealer. Hill A. Feinberg will lead the new combined broker-dealer as Chairman and CEO.

About Hilltop

Hilltop is a Dallas-based financial holding company. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, PlainsCapital Corporation, a regional commercial banking franchise, it has two operating subsidiaries: PlainsCapital Bank and PrimeLending. Under Hilltop Securities Holdings LLC, First Southwest, Southwest Securities and SWS Financial Services provide a full complement of securities brokerage, institutional and investment banking services in addition to clearing services and retail financial advisory. Through Hilltop’s other wholly owned subsidiary, National Lloyds Corporation, it provides property and casualty insurance through two insurance companies, National Lloyds Insurance Company and American Summit Insurance Company. As of January 1, 2015, Hilltop employed approximately 5,300 people and operated approximately 450 locations in 44 states. Hilltop's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HTH. Find more information at hilltop-holdings.com, plainscapital.com, firstsw.com, swst.com, primelending.com and natlloyds.com.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150413006638/en/Hilltop-Holdings-Announces-James-H.-Ross-Resignation#.VS_R5YktGUk