James C. Leonard serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Fifth Third Bancorp, overseeing the company's core operations, technology, enterprise services, and payment solutions. In this critical role, he drives operational efficiency, innovation, and risk management across the organization, supporting Fifth Third's mission to deliver superior customer experiences and sustainable growth. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, Leonard has been a key architect of the company's transformation into a digitally agile, customer-focused bank serving over 11 million clients. Leonard joined Fifth Third Bancorp in 1999 as a relationship manager in Commercial Banking, quickly rising through the ranks due to his strategic acumen and leadership prowess. He held progressive roles, including President of Commercial Banking Specialty Segments (2015-2018), President of Commercial Banking (2018-2020), and various positions in treasury management and corporate banking. His notable achievements include leading the expansion of commercial lending capabilities, enhancing digital platforms during the pandemic, and implementing data-driven initiatives that boosted operational resilience and profitability. A graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA from Xavier University, Leonard is renowned for fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation. Appointed COO in 2020, he has spearheaded investments in cloud technology, cybersecurity, and AI to position Fifth Third as a leader in modern banking, earning recognition from industry peers for his visionary approach to operational excellence.