Huntington Names David Hammer Pittsburgh Region President

Longtime Pittsburgh Banker to Become Huntington's Local President

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Huntington Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq: HBAN) today announced the appointment of David Hammer as Pittsburgh region president, effective July 27, 2009. In this role, he will be the senior Huntington leader in the market and have primary accountability for commercial business, treasury management, in-region marketing and community relations.

Hammer replaces Vince Locher who has been appointed to the new role of managing director of commercial real estate sales for the eastern half of Huntington's footprint.

"Dave knows the Pittsburgh market and its diverse business mix," said Stephen D. Steinour, Huntington's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Dave understands the pressure businesses are facing today and how to help their owners make the best decisions in these times. Additionally, he is active in the Pittsburgh community and is committed to helping to maintain the vibrancy of the area."

"We appreciate the leadership Vince has brought to the market over the past couple of years," Steinour continued. "Vince's strong background in and comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate market make him a great fit for the newly established position. We look forward to his continuing leadership at Huntington and in the community."

Most recently, Hammer served as executive vice president and managing director of National City Corporation's wealth management operation in Pennsylvania. A corporate banker for most of his 20-year career, he also led the bank's business segment for approximately six years. During that time, he significantly grew loan commitments, improved cross sell, grew revenue, maintained credit quality and developed strong relationships both within the organization and in the community. Hammer also served as a treasury management representative and credit analyst.

Hammer is on the board of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and is a member of the Genesis of Pittsburgh Advisory Committee. He earned a bachelor's degree from Robert Morris University and a master's degree from Duquesne University.

Locher will now be responsible for driving the sales process and client profitability, as well as developing unique financing structures in commercial real estate. He also will proactively build relationships with the bank's most significant real estate clients, provide guidance relative to any changes in the capital markets, and implement the revenue plan. He has served as president of the Pittsburgh region since 2002.

"I am looking forward to working with Dave in his new role as he continues the work that has been done in the Western Pennsylvania region," said Marylouise Fennell, a Huntington board member who lives in the Pittsburgh area. "I also want to congratulate Vince on his new role, which represents the next step in his career."

"Huntington's reputation for great service is growing," Hammer commented. "I am passionate about building relationships, and I look forward to working with our customers and associates to continue to build on that momentum. The Pittsburgh market has tremendous potential."

About Huntington

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $52 billion regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Huntington has more than 143 years of serving the financial needs of its customers. Through our subsidiaries, including our banking subsidiary, The Huntington National Bank, we provide full-service commercial and consumer banking services, mortgage banking services, equipment leasing, investment management, trust services, brokerage services, customized insurance service program, and other financial products and services. Our over 600 banking offices are located in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Huntington also offers retail and commercial financial services online at huntington.com; through its technologically advanced, 24-hour telephone bank; and through its network of almost 1,400 ATMs. The Auto Finance and Dealer Services group offers automobile loans to consumers and commercial loans to automobile dealers within our six-state banking franchise area. Selected financial service activities are also conducted in other states including: Private Financial Group offices in Florida and Mortgage Banking offices in Maryland and New Jersey. International banking services are available through the headquarters office in Columbus and a limited purpose office located in both the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong.

SOURCE Huntington Bancshares Inc.