Dallas-based Comerica Inc. has announced that William Adams has been named senior vice president/chief economist. He succeeds Robert Dye Ph.D., who is retiring on January 28. Adams will lead Comerica’s economics department, providing research and analysis that impact the bank’s key markets, as well as business leaders and policymakers throughout the country. He will report to Jim Herzog, executive vice president/chief financial officer.

“Bill’s strong experience and deep understanding of economic policies and trends will serve to strengthen Comerica and deliver the insightful commentary and analysis our customers have come to expect from the role,” Herzog says. “Robert has left an indelible mark on the position. His economic commentary and guidance have served as valuable resources and a navigator to Comerica and our customers, especially during these uncertain times.”

Adams comes to Comerica after spending the previous 10 years with the PNC Financial Group, where he served as the senior vice president/senior manager economist. He contributed to the analysis of the U.S. national economy and regional economies within PNC’s core footprint. He also provided forecasts of international economic conditions, interest rates and exchange rates, covering major foreign developed and developing economies. Prior to joining PNC, Adams served as the China resident economist for The Conference Board from 2009 to 2011. He holds a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.

Since joining Comerica in 2011 as chief economist, Dye has served to provide commentary and research on the U.S. economy and the economies of Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas to Comerica clients and regional and national media outlets. His economic outlooks in recent years have been pivotal in helping Comerica navigate the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2015, Dye was awarded the prestigious Lawrence R. Klein Award for having the most accurate macroeconomic forecasts among the nation’s top forecasters.

Established in 1849, Comerica Bank operates in Texas, Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan.