<p>Richard Anthony will replace Synovus Financial Corp. retiring chief executive officer and president Jim Blanchard, the regional banking and financial services firm announced.</p><p>Blanchard, who has been with the company for 35 years, will be named chairman of the board. He will retire as an executive of the company in October 2006. James Yancey, current chairman of the board, will remain a board member when Blanchard takes over as chairman.</p><p>The moves will take effect at the company's July 20 board meeting, the company said Tuesday.</p><p>Synovus has been planning the moves since the spring of 1999 in preparation for the retirements of Blanchard and Yancey. Blanchard said he wanted to step aside before he was ready to retire.</p><p>Blanchard had served as CEO of Columbus Bank & Trust Co. since 1971 and served in the dual roles of chairman of the board and CEO from 1986 until October 2003, when Yancey was elected chairman. In 1989, CB&T Bancshares changed its name to Synovus Financial Corp. and listed its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange.</p><p>___</p><p>HASH(0x1cd9b74)</p>
