South Plains Financial names Cory Newsom CEO as Curtis Griffith retires

South Plains Financial announced that chairman and CEO Curtis Griffith will retire effective December 31, 2026. Griffith will remain on the board, which suggests a planned leadership transition rather than an abrupt exit. The article is brief and does not mention changes to strategy, financial guidance, or near-term operations, so the immediate market impact is likely limited. Still, CEO succession at a regional bank can matter to investors because it introduces execution and continuity risk, especially if the replacement is not yet fully established. The company also named Cory Newsom as the incoming CEO, indicating a formal transition plan is underway.