Comerica Appoints Kristina Janssens as Chief Risk Officer to Strengthen Risk Management
- Comerica promotes Kristina Janssens to Chief Risk Officer, enhancing its enterprise risk management framework.
- Janssens oversees risk management efforts, addressing emerging risks and ensuring compliance in the banking sector.
- The appointment supports Comerica's expansion strategy, strengthening its competitive edge in new markets.
Comerica's Strategic Appointment Enhances Risk Management Framework
Comerica Incorporated announces the promotion of Kristina Janssens to Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, effective September 19, 2025. This strategic move underscores the bank's commitment to strengthening its enterprise risk management framework amid an evolving regulatory landscape. Janssens, who joined Comerica in September 2023, will report directly to Chairman, President, and CEO Curt Farmer, as well as to the Enterprise Risk Committee of the Board of Directors. Her leadership aims to enhance governance of risk operations, ensuring that risk principles are seamlessly integrated into the bank's strategic planning.
In her new role, Janssens is tasked with overseeing the bank’s comprehensive risk management efforts, which include identifying emerging risks associated with regulatory changes, customer profiles, and various service channels. Her extensive experience in compliance and risk management positions her uniquely to address the complexities inherent in the financial sector. Before joining Comerica, Janssens served nearly a decade at Flagstar Bank, where she held senior leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer. This background equips her with a nuanced understanding of regulatory compliance, crucial for navigating the challenges faced by financial institutions today.
Janssens's appointment also reflects Comerica's ongoing expansion strategy, as the bank seeks to establish a more robust presence in new markets across the Southeast and Mountain West. By prioritizing risk management, Comerica aims to not only safeguard its operations but also to enhance its competitive edge in these regions. The bank’s ability to effectively manage risks will be vital as it continues to serve a diverse clientele across its three primary business segments: Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, and Wealth Management.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Janssens holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University, further solidifying her qualifications in the banking sector. As Comerica continues to evolve and adapt to market demands, the integration of strong risk management practices is essential for maintaining its position as one of the largest commercial financial holding companies in the U.S.
As Comerica embraces this pivotal leadership change, the banking sector watches closely. The emphasis on risk management is not merely about compliance; it is a strategic imperative that could define the bank's trajectory in an increasingly complex financial environment. Janssens's role will be critical in steering the bank through potential regulatory hurdles and in ensuring that its growth is sustainable and responsible.