First Financial Bancorp Welcomes Tim Massa to Its Board of Directors to Enhance Leadership
First Financial Bancorp. has made a significant addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Timothy A. Massa to its Board of Directors. This strategic decision comes after a recent Board meeting held on October 27, 2026, where members voted to expand the Board from ten to eleven members, thereby creating an opportunity for Massa to fill the newly opened position. The recommendation for this move was brought forth by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, indicating a careful consideration of the Board's composition and expertise.
Tim Massa, who is 59 years old, brings an impressive 37 years of executive leadership experience focused on human capital management. Most notably, he has spent 16 years at Kroger, of which 12 were on the senior leadership team, and 21 years with Procter & Gamble. His extensive experience encompasses various areas, including executive compensation, CEO succession planning, labor relations, and organizational transformation, making him an asset for First Financial as it seeks to cultivate future leaders within the organization.
Claude Davis, the chairman of First Financial Bancorp, expressed enthusiasm about Massa's appointment, stating that his insights on leadership and associate development will be invaluable as the company continues its expansion journey. Archie Brown, the CEO, also voiced excitement regarding Massa's deep roots in the Greater Cincinnati community, which aligns well with First Financial's commitment to local engagement and support.
Before his retirement in September 2026, Massa served as Kroger's executive vice president and chief associate experience officer. In addition to his strategic advisory role at Kroger, Massa is actively involved in various boards, including Smirk Health and the Cincinnati Sports Commission. He is also a trustee of the National Academy of Human Resources, highlighting his influence and dedication within the human resources field.
First Financial Bancorp., headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a robust financial institution with significant assets and a wide range of services. As of September 30, 2026, the bank held approximately $22.3 billion in assets and provided diverse financial products encompassing commercial and retail banking, mortgage banking, and wealth management. With its roots going back to 1863, the organization prides itself on its longstanding commitment to customer service and community involvement.
In terms of its recent recognition, First Financial received an 'Outstanding' grade from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act and was one of only 70 clients worldwide to earn the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award in 2025. These accolades illustrate the company's commitment to not only delivering quality financial services but also ensuring a positive workplace culture.
The inclusion of Tim Massa on the Board of Directors represents a strategic move designed to enhance First Financial Bancorp’s governance while fostering the development of young professionals within the financial sector. As the company looks forward to leveraging Massa's expertise, stakeholders are optimistic about the future direction and growth prospects of First Financial, strengthened further by its community-oriented approach and commitment to leadership development.