[vc_custom_heading text=”JIM HANSEN”][vc_custom_heading text=”Chamber champ” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left”]
40, Regional president, Eastern Carolinas market, PNC Financial Services
Raleigh
Alma maters
N.C. State University, B.S.
UNC Chapel Hill, MBA
Hansen oversees PNC’s operations in the eastern half of the Carolinas, where predecessors including Planters, Centura and RBC have operated banks since the 19th century. He also chairs the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and is chair-elect of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership. Pittsburgh-based PNC, which gained a foothold in North Carolina after acquiring Royal Bank of Canada’s U.S. business in 2012, was the sixth-largest bank in the state based on market share as of June 30, with deposits topping $8.3 billion. Hansen grew up in Winston-Salem.
What is North Carolina’s key challenge?
The opportunity gap between rural and urban areas. talent, branches and investments throughout the state, and we must find economic success for all North Carolinians. This requires access to educational opportunities starting with high-quality pre-K education, followed with the ability to find a good job wherever someone wants to live.
What was your proudest moment in 2018?
There are many this year, including working with [other N.C. business leaders] to open up 3,500 more pre-K seats; serving as the chair of Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce board; and opening a PNC branch at N.C. State. But one moment stands out: PNC provided a mortgage-free home in eastern N.C. to a military veteran and war hero.
What advice do you share with newcomers?
Build relationships throughout the company. Do what’s right for the customer long-term. Be curious, and look to lead whether it’s in your title or not.
Share an insight about your community?
Most know that the Research Triangle region works well together and is an education hub. What people may not realize is that our many unique industries built around leadership in tech and entrepreneurship are starting to converge in many ways in this new economy, such as the intersection of biopharma, data analytics and cloud computing to serve the health care industry. This is exciting for our region’s future.
What is something people don’t know about you?
With a few of my [UNC Chapel Hill] Kenan- Flagler MBA classmates, I shared in the enjoyment of eating some scorpions cooked by a street vendor in Beijing.
What was your favorite travel experience in 2018?
With children who are 13 and 9, travel is a great family adventure. Our favorite trip was to the Southwest, exploring Sedona, Ariz., the Grand Canyon and southern California.
