John Hairston on economic development
From John Hairston, CEO of Hancock Whitney, joins Ricky · · SuperTalk Mississippi
“The biggest need we have to grow the economy of the Coast is technology, manufacturing, information, clean industry with a little bit maybe 30-40% mix of heavy industry.”
On , John Hairston, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at HANCOCK WHITNEY CORP, spoke about economic development during John Hairston, CEO of Hancock Whitney, joins Ricky on SuperTalk Mississippi.
About John Hairston
John Hairston, president and CEO of Hancock Whitney, has been discussing the economic pressures facing consumers and businesses in the bank's Gulf South footprint. In September 2024, he stated that housing and insurance costs are hurting consumers more than interest rates, noting a "dramatic downturn in the amount of big ticket purchases" as average account balances return to pre-pandemic norms. He described the current economic cycle as "just another cycle" after 29 years in the industry. Hairston also commented on the need for immigration reform to address workforce shortages, saying "the only answer to that is immigration" as job growth outpaces the birth rate. Hairston has emphasized the bank's strong capital position, stating in September 2024 that Hancock Whitney is "better capitalized than we have been in 50 years." He has discussed the bank's expansion, including opening its first San Antonio office. Looking ahead, Hairston predicted that government spending will need to decrease or taxes will increase due to the national debt, and said he expects "reasonable, practical, enforceable immigration reform" and continued growth for the bank over the next 25 years.