First Financial Bankshares Promotes David Bailey to CEO

Bailey to lead First Financial Bank and First Financial Bankshares, Inc. after longtime CEO F. Scott Dueser transitions to Executive Chairman role.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:39pm

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First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and its subsidiary First Financial Bank have announced the promotion of David Bailey to CEO of both entities. Bailey has been with the company for over 22 years, rising through the ranks from a teller position to now lead the company as CEO. Current CEO F. Scott Dueser will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Boards.

Why it matters

The leadership transition at First Financial Bankshares, one of the top-rated banks in the country, reflects the company's commitment to management succession planning and continuity. Bailey's promotion from within the organization signals the board's confidence in his ability to lead the company's growth and customer service focus into the future.

The details

David Bailey started as a teller at First Financial Bank and progressed to become President and CEO of the Eastland Division, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, and most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. In his new role as CEO, he will oversee all lending, treasury management, and other banking functions. Outgoing CEO F. Scott Dueser will remain as Executive Chairman through the 2028 Annual Meeting to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

  • David Bailey's promotion to CEO was announced on January 28, 2026.
  • F. Scott Dueser will remain as Executive Chairman through the 2028 Annual Meeting.

The players

David Bailey

The newly promoted CEO of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and First Financial Bank, having worked his way up from a teller position over the past 22 years.

F. Scott Dueser

The outgoing CEO of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and First Financial Bank, who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Boards.

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

A financial holding company that operates multiple banking regions with 79 locations in Texas.

First Financial Bank

A wholly owned subsidiary of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. that operates the banking locations.

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What they’re saying

“The First Financial board of directors and I are pleased to announce the promotion of David Bailey, who will now serve as President and CEO of First Financial Bankshares and First Financial Bank.”

— F. Scott Dueser, Executive Chairman of the Board

“David has been with the Company for over 22 years and is extremely qualified to lead the Company with his deep knowledge of the industry, his commitment for Excellence and Customer Service, history of rising through the ranks from a teller's position to President and now CEO, his vision to grow the Company well into the future, and his commitment to make sure the Company continues to be one of the top rated banks in the country.”

— F. Scott Dueser, Executive Chairman of the Board

What’s next

F. Scott Dueser will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Boards through the 2028 Annual Meeting to ensure a smooth leadership transition with the new CEO, David Bailey.

The takeaway

The promotion of David Bailey to CEO of First Financial Bankshares and First Financial Bank reflects the company's commitment to developing talent from within and ensuring continuity of leadership as it aims to maintain its status as one of the top-rated banks in the country.