Huntington Bank, a subsidiary of $53 billion regional bank holding company Huntington Bancshares, has hired Helga Houston as chief risk officer. She will succeed Kevin Blakely, who will retire at year end after almost 40 years in banking and three years at Huntington.

Houston has 30 years of diversified banking experience in risk management, business development and client relationships. She currently serves as a partner with Phoenix Global Advisors in Charlotte, NC. Prior to that, she held executive positions with Bank of America for 20 years, most recently as its global consumer and small business risk and compliance executive.

She brings Huntington additional risk management experience in wealth and investment management, corporate and investment banking and commercial real estate finance. Earlier in her career, Houston held positions in real estate with Crocker National Bank and Home Federal Savings and Loan.

Houston will join Huntington's leadership team and report to Stephen Steinour, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Huntington.