Profile: Jeremy Gutierrez

Meet Jeremy Gutierrez,
Senior Commercial Banking Executive, Fifth Third Bank

Name: Jeremy Gutierrez

Job: Senior Commercial Banking Executive, Fifth Third Bank

City: Colombus, Ohio

Hometown: Monroe, MI

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role at Fifth Third Bank.

I have the privilege and honor of leading a team of experienced commercial banking professionals in Central Ohio, West Virginia and Western PA. 

Our team strategically partners with business across multiple industries and sectors with the goal of helping our clients reach their financial goals and objectives. Our desire and goal is to help fuel the growth taking place in our state in a sustainable and insightful way.

Entrepreneurship and innovation is at the core of growing our business community and economy. The VC ecosystem continues to grow in Ohio, we are not that flyover secret anymore! I am passionate about telling our Ohio story and supporting this critical part of our growth and transformation!

Q: People may think there’s not a lot of innovation in commercial banking. What are some things you’re excited about?

Innovation is everywhere, including banking! At our core, we are a relationship and trust driven business…and the experience we deliver can be significantly enabled through technology. Creating that optimal client experience is our goal…and technology helps us do just that! 

Our industry continues to evolve, today faster than ever. I get very excited about some of the solutions we can offer our business community that are 100% driven by technological advances. As an example, the ways we can help empower business through fintech solutions around their cash flow cycle are incredible. These solutions have been activated by technology to allow our clients to gain efficiencies, drive expense savings, enhance cash collections and reduce fraud. Pretty powerful tools when considering it is impacting those “heart and soul” issues for a business.  

Q: How can Ohio be a leader in financial and banking innovation?

Our state and financial industry can, and must, be a leader in the innovation space. As the largest bank headquartered in Ohio, I’m proud to share that Fifth Third Bank recently received an award from Fortune, recognizing us as one of America’s Most Innovative Companies…no small feat for a bank!

Fifth Third has a history of many firsts. As an innovator focusing on customer experience and the future, Fifth Third became the first bank in the U.S. to establish an online network of ATMs in the 1970s. Jeanie, as the ATMs came to be known, was a beloved icon in Cincinnati and was synonymous to customers with easy access to their cash. It was the first to place banks in shopping malls in the 1950s and grocery stores in the 1980s. 

Innovation is at our core as Ohioans. Aviation, light bulbs, the traffic signal and even chewing gum all started in Ohio. We are in an uber important moment in time as Ohioans and a business community. Investment into the State is at record levels and the opportunity to truly transform our economy, workforce, standard of living and quality of life is at our doorstep. Our ability to leverage this moment cannot be constricted because we are not thinking “big enough”. We must think big, drive public/private partnerships, create and retain a workforce that can meet the needs of our new economy…and take critical issues like affordable housing and transportation head on.

The elements to transform our state and lift ALL boats are present, now we must act! 

Q: As a Michigan grad, you’re in enemy territory. What’s your favorite thing about Ohio?

Ha! If I only had a dollar for every time I was asked this question! While I am a native Michigander, Columbus and Ohio is home for my family. 

My favorite thing about Ohio is the people. As a transient to the State, I have been overwhelmed with the welcoming approach our region conveys. While we are a large and growing region, our community has been able to maintain an intimate feel, always willing to connect with warmth and purpose. 

I am very fond of an old Woody Hayes quote that conveys “you win with people”. Is it any surprise that Ohio is winning big on the business attraction front – people at all levels are locking arms to build a better future!

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

I love to travel and attend sporting events of all types. I recently was fortunate enough to travel to Croatia and Wales to watch Euro soccer qualifying matches. Experiencing the passion, comradery and unique cultures is always a special treat. 

Giving back to our community is also an enriching experience and my family and I seek out ways to do this often. We truly are stronger together!

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Learn more about Jeremy’s work by connecting with him on LinkedIn.