b1BANK Names Ben Marmande Director of Corporate Banking
MWN-AI** Summary
Baton Rouge-based b1BANK recently appointed Ben Marmande as the new director of corporate banking, with a key focus on expanding the bank’s reach in Texas and enhancing its commercial banking capabilities. Marmande’s extensive 19-year career in the banking sector, including notable positions at IBERIABANK and First Horizon, equips him with robust expertise in managing complex commercial client relationships. In his previous roles, he oversaw banking operations as the market president in both Houston and Baton Rouge, leading diverse teams in commercial lending and private banking.
Jude Melville, CEO of b1BANK, expressed confidence in Marmande's ability to drive growth, highlighting his credit discipline, operational leadership, and established market relationships. In an era where corporate banking is essential for catering to the nuanced needs of complex clients, Marmande’s consultative approach is poised to add significant value.
Marmande’s background extends beyond banking; he was previously an executive vice president at Lason Systems, Inc., leading a substantial division catering to Fortune 100 clients. This experience provides him with unique insights into business operations that will enhance b1BANK's corporate banking strategy.
Jerry Vascocu, President of b1BANK, praised Marmande’s client-focused ethic, which aligns closely with the bank’s mission to serve businesses throughout Texas and Louisiana. Marmande conveyed excitement about developing a corporate banking practice that fosters strategic advisory relationships, driven by b1BANK’s strong culture and commitment to community engagement.
As of December 31, 2025, Business First Bancshares, the parent company of b1BANK, reported assets of $8.2 billion, underscoring the organization's expansive growth trajectory. The announcement positions b1BANK for further success within the competitive banking landscape.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The appointment of Ben Marmande as Director of Corporate Banking at b1BANK presents a significant opportunity for investors and market watchers interested in the banking sector, particularly in the Texas and Louisiana markets. With his extensive background at IBERIABANK and First Horizon, Marmande brings a wealth of experience that could enhance b1BANK’s competitive edge in corporate banking.
His focus on client acquisition and relationship growth is particularly strategic, especially in Texas, which is known for its booming economy and diverse business landscape. Marmande's expertise in operational leadership, combined with his understanding of credit discipline, will likely lead to improved service delivery for complex commercial clients. This approach may enhance b1BANK’s reputation as a trusted advisor and can potentially drive higher profitability through enhanced client retention and satisfaction.
Moreover, b1BANK's existing asset base of $8.2 billion and substantial assets under management indicate a sound financial foundation for expansion. The strategic investment in corporate banking not only aligns with current market trends that favor specialized financial services but also positions b1BANK to capture a larger share of the growing demand for corporate banking solutions.
For investors, this development signals a positive trajectory for b1BANK. The commitment to deepening relationships with businesses suggests a proactive approach to navigating the economic landscape, possibly yielding strong returns in the medium to long term. Additionally, Marmande’s robust connections within the business communities of Texas and Louisiana could facilitate new partnerships and business opportunities, thereby fostering growth.
As b1BANK continues to enhance its corporate banking capabilities under Marmande’s leadership, stakeholders should closely monitor its performance metrics and market positioning. The positive recognition from industry awards and a strong focus on cultivating a client-centric culture further underline potential upward momentum for the institution in the competitive banking sector.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
BATON ROUGE, La., April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- b1BANK announced that Ben Marmande has joined the organization as director of corporate banking. Marmande will lead b1BANK’s corporate banking efforts for the state of Texas driving client acquisition, relationship growth and the expansion of the bank’s commercial capabilities.
“Ben brings a combination of credit discipline, operational leadership and market relationships that will be instrumental as we continue to grow our corporate banking capabilities,” said Jude Melville, CEO of b1BANK. “Corporate banking is a deliberate investment in how we serve our most complex commercial clients, and Ben has spent his career developing exactly the kind of deep, consultative relationships this work demands. I am confident he will help us bring meaningful value to businesses across our footprint.”
During his 19-year career at IBERIABANK and First Horizon, Marmande served as the Houston market president and the Baton Rouge market president. There, he directed all banking operations across both markets, leading teams of commercial relationship managers, private bankers, business development officers and retail operations professionals.
Prior to joining IBERIABANK, Marmande served as executive vice president at Lason Systems, Inc., where he led a $500 million division serving Fortune 100 companies. That experience gives him a perspective on business operations few commercial bankers can offer. Earlier in his career, he held commercial banking and senior credit leadership roles at Hibernia National Bank, where he helped develop the maritime lending practice and built deep expertise across the region’s commercial markets.
“Having worked alongside Ben for years, I know firsthand what he brings to a client relationship,” said Jerry Vascocu, President of b1BANK. “His leadership, commitment and client-focused approach will strengthen what we are building in Texas and across our company. Ben has always exemplified what it means to be a trusted advisor, and we are proud to welcome him to the b1BANK team.”
“The culture here, the leadership and the commitment to the businesses and communities we serve is what drew me to this role,” Marmande said. “I look forward to building a corporate banking practice that deepens those relationships and positions our bankers as strategic advisors to the clients we serve.”
Marmande brings more than 40 years of banking and financial services experience to his new role and is widely connected across the Texas and Louisiana business communities.
About Business First Bancshares, Inc.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, Business First Bancshares, Inc., (Nasdaq: BFST) through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, had $8.2 billion in assets, $5.7 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (not including $1.0 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates banking centers and loan production offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas providing commercial and personal banking products and services. b1BANK is recognized as a 2024 Mastercard “Innovation Award” winner and multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine’s “Best Banks to Work For.” Visit b1BANK.com for more information.
| Media Contact: | Misty Albrecht |
| b1BANK | |
| 225.286.7879 | |
| media@b1BANK.com | |
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80a9fde6-6ee1-40d2-96a4-eec582e3b150
FAQ**
How might Ben Marmande’s experience influence Business First Bancshares Inc. (BFST) strategy in expanding its corporate banking services in Texas?
2. What specific commercial capabilities is Business First Bancshares Inc. (BFST) aiming to enhance under Marmande's leadership?
3. How does Business First Bancshares Inc. (BFST) plan to leverage Marmande’s existing relationships within the Texas and Louisiana markets?
4. In what ways will Marmande's approach to client relationships support Business First Bancshares Inc. (BFST) in achieving its growth objectives?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Business First Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: BFST).
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