Dallas-headquartered Comerica has named Kelly Gage – most recently the firm’s national director of sales and strategy for the commercial bank segment – as its new senior vice president and director of investor relations.
Gage takes the reins from Comerica veteran Darlene Persons, who plans to retire on April 1, 2023 after 36 years with the company. She spent 16 of those years as head of IR for the bank.
‘Persons’ lasting impact on Comerica includes helping establish the corporate sustainability office in 2008, and leadership of the North Texas Women’s Forum,’ says the firm.
‘Kelly’s leadership, unwavering commitment and extensive knowledge of Comerica and its businesses make her the perfect fit for this role,’ says Jim Herzog, executive vice president and CFO, in a statement announcing Gage’s appointment.
‘We thank Darlene for her hard work and dedication, as well as the strong relationships she fostered throughout her 36 years with Comerica.’
Gage has been with Comerica since 2004, when she began her banking career as a credit analyst, later moving into the role of middle-market relationship manager. ‘Gage has made significant contributions to many important projects that shaped the commercial bank’s future,’ states the firm. ‘Those projects led to the creation of her role as national director of sales and strategy for the commercial bank.’
It also notes that Gage, who holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, was named as one of American Banker’s 2021 Most Powerful Women in Banking, an honor that recognizes the accomplishments of women aged 40 and under from across the banking industry.
