Bill Helms becomes vice chairman of BBVA Compass board of directors

HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass announced today that William C. Helms has been appointed vice chairman of the BBVA Compass board of directors.

Until now, Helms has led the bank's Wealth Management business, overseeing private banking, asset management, international wealth management, broker-dealer activities and registered investment advisors.

"Bill brings a deep understanding of our strategic direction and will greatly enrich our board," said Manolo Sanchez, BBVA U.S. country manager and president and CEO of BBVA Compass. "His leadership has helped us successfully implement our innovative, customer-focused business model across our growing U.S. footprint. We are fortunate to have his counsel."

In addition to serving on the bank's board of directors, Helms joins the board of BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., the bank's holding company. He will be active in business development and in supporting the bank's growth as directed by executive management. He also will oversee BBVA Compass' national and local advisory boards and be involved in the bank's government relations efforts.

Jeff Talpas, a member of the bank's Management Committee who has overseen the bank's Retail line of business, will lead the new combined Wealth & Retail Banking group. The move brings together all of the bank's consumer segments in a single area led by Talpas, who has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Helms joined Compass Bank in 2003 after serving in various leadership roles in the financial industry, including as co-president of Bank of America's private bank. He serves on the Chancellor's Council for the University of Texas System and as an advisory director for the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. He also serves on the board for the McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, and recently served on the boards of the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Grand Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

About BBVA Group
BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a solid position in Spain, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt region of the United States. Its diversified business is geared toward high-growth markets and relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies best practices. The Group is present in the main sustainability indexes. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.

About BBVA Compass
BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 688 branches, including 352 in Texas, 90 in Alabama, 78 in Arizona, 64 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 21 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the leading Small Business Administration lenders and was recently awarded the 2013 Celent Model Bank Award for its new core banking platform. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com.

Editor's Note: BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank, member FDIC.

SOURCE BBVA Compass