Gordon Inman leaving Fifth Third board

Gordon Inman is stepping down from his role as chairman of the board for Fifth Third Bank Tennesse to pursue other business opportnities.

Inman has been chairman of the company since June 2004, after selling Franklin Financial Corp. — a company he co-founded in 1989 — to Fifth Third Bank. His departure is effective April 1, at which time Dan Hogan, president and CEO of Fifth Third's operations in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and parts of Kentucky, will assume the role of Tennessee chairman.

"At our request, Gordon graciously agreed to remain as chairman for a period of time beyond our original contract, and we have been most appreciative of his additional time and commitment," Hogan said. "We appreciate Gordon's interest in moving on with his next venture and extend our most sincere wishes for what is surely to be another grand success."

Along with Hogan's taking over the chairman's seat of Fifth Third Tennessee, the bank has named state president Don Abel CEO as well.

Inman said, "I was pleased to remain in my position as Chairman of the Tennessee division slightly longer than originally contemplated, and I have enjoyed serving with the many fine members of the board. At this point, I'm ready to move on to several opportunities that have presented themselves and to which I want to give some undivided attention. I am excited about the next chapter in my career and have best wishes for the bank's continued success in Tennessee."

In addition to founding Franklin Financial, Inman has served on the Williamson County Bank (which is now part of Bank of America) board of directors and was a founder and director of the former First National Bank of Knoxville. He was among the original developers of the downtown Nashville hotel and office tower that is now the Renaissance Hotel and was a founder of Inman Relators in Williamson County, which he sold in 1996.

A Belmont University Trustee and donor, Inman provided a gift to the Nashville university in 2006 that helped complete the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing.

According to a spokeswoman, Inman is not yet discussing his business plans.