First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust has hired Brad Rench as senior vice president and regional president, succeeding Gordon Smith who is retiring later this year.

Smith, who became senior vice president and regional president for the Metro East region in 2001, will remain part of the team, focusing on business development for the firm.

In his new role, Rench will manage the banking operations of the Metro East market, responsible for growing business lines including commercial and personal banking, trust and wealth management, and insurance.

Rench joins from First Clover Leaf Bank in Edwardsville, IL, where he served as executive vice president and chief operations officer.      

First Mid provides banking, trust and wealth management, and insurance services through its operating subsidiaries First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, and First Mid Insurance Group.