Huntington National Bank Welcomes Senthil Kumar as New Chief Risk Officer

The Huntington National Bank has recently announced an important leadership change, naming Senthil Kumar as its new Chief Risk Officer, effective February 16, 2026. This significant appointment comes as part of Huntington's commitment to strengthening its risk management framework, especially in this crucial phase of growth and innovation.

Senthil Kumar, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in senior risk leadership, will be taking over the role previously held by Helga Houston. Houston is set to transition into a new position as Senior Executive Advisor, where she will continue providing her expertise and guidance to Huntington’s executive leadership team on strategic initiatives. Both Senthil and Helga are expected to transition into their new roles by March 1, 2026.

In expressing his enthusiasm about the addition of Senthil to the executive team, Huntington's CEO, Steve Steinour, stated, "I am thrilled to welcome Senthil to the executive team and into this critical role. His proven leadership and wealth of experience will further Huntington's strong risk management culture as we enter the next phase of growth and innovation."

Before joining Huntington, Senthil Kumar served as Chief Risk Officer at BNY, where he was responsible for overseeing a broad spectrum of risk management functions including credit risk, operational risk, market risk, and compliance. His prior experience also includes key positions at Citigroup, where he held notable roles such as Chief Risk Officer for the Institutional Clients Group. In that capacity, he managed risk for a global portfolio operating across more than 100 countries. His distinguished career also includes significant leadership roles at Samba Financial Group, where he demonstrated his expertise in market risk management and alternative investments.

Senthil Kumar's academic background is equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Madras in India and is a recipient of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Additionally, he is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, showing his commitment to ongoing professional development. Furthermore, he serves on the board of the American Heart Association's New York City chapter, indicating his dedication to community service and public health.

Founded in 1866, Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with assets totaling $279 billion. The bank offers a wide array of banking services, payments, wealth management, and risk management products to consumers and businesses alike. As Huntington continues to grow, the integration of Senthil Kumar into its executive leadership is seen as a pivotal move to enhance its risk governance and compliance capabilities.

With nearly 1,400 branches spread across 21 states, Huntington Bank is well-positioned to foster a robust banking environment. As it embarks on this new chapter, the expertise and strategic insight that leaders like Senthil Kumar bring to the table will undeniably play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the financial landscape. As the bank prepares for future challenges and opportunities, the emphasis on strong leadership in risk management is more essential than ever.

In summary, the appointment of Senthil Kumar as Chief Risk Officer underscores Huntington Bank's commitment to a forward-thinking approach in risk management underlines its mission to provide exceptional service to its customers.