Dallas-based Comerica Inc. has promoted Jason Baker to Houston market president, succeeding J. Downey Bridgwater. Earlier this year, Bridgwater announced his plan to retire during the first quarter of 2021 after 24 years at Comerica and 40 years in banking. In his new role, Baker will oversee business and community development efforts in the Houston area, including direct management for all of commercial banking.

Since joining Comerica Bank as a credit analyst in 2006, Baker has held a variety of roles with increasing scope and responsibility, including relationship manager, alternate group manager and group manager in middle-market. As a credit manager, Baker supported commercial banking in Houston as well as private banking throughout the state of Texas.

Baker, a Baylor University alumnus, earned a BBA degree in finance and economics from the Hankamer School of Business while lettering in track and field and cross-country. He has served as a United Way and March of Dimes campaign leader for Comerica and is a graduate of the bank’s leadership development program. He also is active in the community as a volunteer for his church and Junior Achievement, a YMCA coach for various sports and a Family Legacy Missions sponsor.

“For many years, Jason has been a top performer in middle-market and has established himself as a proven leader at Comerica and within the community,” says Brian Foley, Texas market president. “His skill set and leadership qualities are an ideal fit for this role, and I am confident Jason will build upon the firm foundation Downey has built in Houston.”

Established in 1973, Comerica Inc. operates locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico.