ATLANTA, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) today announced that Anil Cheriyan has been named the Company's new Chief Information Officer. He will join SunTrust on April 2, 2012, and report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William H. Rogers, Jr.

Mr. Cheriyan succeeds Tim Sullivan, who has served as Chief Information Officer since 2003 and is retiring.

"Anil Cheriyan brings outstanding technology experience and expertise leading transformational systems initiatives," said Mr. Rogers. "Technology's role in the banking business cannot be overstated. From responding to evolving client preferences in the way they want to bank and manage their finances, to developing new and more effective and efficient means of safeguarding information security and processing transactions, technology will remain a critical aspect of our growth and operating strategy."

Mr. Cheriyan, 54, joins SunTrust from IBM Global Business Services, where he has served as a Senior Partner serving financial services industry clients and led a variety of business systems transformation, technology and process re-engineering initiatives. Prior to joining IBM in 2002, he was a Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting (PwCC) and served in leadership roles on a variety of systems, customer information, data warehousing and e-business engagements. Previously he was a Senior Consultant with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Information Services Manager for TVS Clayton, Ltd.

Mr. Cheriyan earned his Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, as well as his Master of Science and Master of Philosophy degrees in Management, from Imperial College in London.

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of December 31, 2011, SunTrust had total assets of $176.9 billion and total deposits of $127.9 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment management, equipment leasing and investment banking services. SunTrust's Internet address is suntrust.com.

SOURCE SunTrust Banks, Inc.