NewBridge Bank CEO announces retirement

Robert Lowe has announced his retirement as CEO of NewBridge Bancorp effective June 30. Lowe will continue to serve as chairman of the company.

An announcement from NewBridge said he plans to spend more time with his family and visit friends.

In late 2006, Lowe, then of Lexington State Bank, and Pressley Ridgill, then president of FNB Southeast, began talks about a possible merger. NewBridge Bank, the banking subsidiary of the merged company, formed on July 31, 2007 with its headquarters in Greensboro. It ranks among the 10 largest banks in the state, with $2 billion in assets.

Content Continues Below

Lowe was elected chairman of the N.C. Bankers Association in 1992. He also served on the board of directors of the American Bankers Association from 1999-2002 and served as the group's treasurer from 2003-05.

Lowe has been active in community groups, including Lexington Memorial Hospital, the Edward C. Smith Civic Center in Lexington and the College Foundation Inc.