Chartwell Partners is pleased to announce that, following a targeted board search process, Zeenat Sidi has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Business First Bancshares, Inc. and its banking subsidiary, b1BANK. Sidi brings more than twenty‑five years of executive leadership experience across fintech, consumer banking, lending, payments, and digital transformation in the U.S. and Canada.
Sidi previously served as President of Digital Products and Services at loanDepot, where she led the development of digital engagement strategies and innovative products recognized by the Wall Street Journal. Her background includes senior leadership roles at SoFi, Capital One, RBC, FICO, and Experian, with a proven record of building profitable, digitally enabled businesses. She holds advanced degrees from Duke University, Stanford University, and the University of Miami, and has served on the Board of the Texas Women’s Foundation. She was recognized as one of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business in 2022.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Sidi will contribute strategic insight in digital banking, customer engagement, risk management, and innovation as the organization continues to expand its capabilities and long‑term value for shareholders and stakeholders.
“Congratulations to Business First Bancshares on the appointment of an accomplished and forward‑thinking executive to its Board of Directors,” said Scott Petty, Partner of Chartwell Partners’ Financial Services Practice. “We appreciate the opportunity to support the organization in fulfilling this important board search.”
About Business First Bancshares, Inc.
As of June 30, 2024, Business First Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST), through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $6.7 billion in assets, $6.1 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (excludes $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices in markets across Louisiana and the Dallas and Houston, Texas areas, providing commercial and personal banking products and services. Commercial banking services include commercial loans and letters of credit, working capital lines and equipment financing, and treasury management services. b1BANK was awarded #1 Best-In-State Bank, Louisiana, by Forbes and Statista, and is a multiyear winner of American Banker’s “Best Banks to Work For.”
About Chartwell Partners
Chartwell Partners is a retained executive search and leadership advisory firm. Founded in 2005, the firm serves a variety of industries across the nation. Chartwell’s Financial Services Practice, led by Scott Petty, has conducted more than 300 successful executive search assignments for over 50 clients during the last decade. The team prides themselves on their reputation of consistency, confidentiality, and long-term success of their placements.
Partners
- J. Scott Petty
- 214-228-0343
- /jscottpetty
