Mr. Harton joined The South Financial Group in January 2007 as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Credit Officer. In June 2008, he became the Chief Commercial Banking Officer with responsibility for state and market presidents, commercial banking, commercial real estate, corporate banking, credit, and corporate financial services (including merchant, mortgage, treasury services, and wealth management). In November 2008, he was named Interim President & CEO.

Prior to joining The South Financial Group, Mr. Harton served as Chief Credit Officer for Regions Financial and Union Planters (prior to the merger with Regions Financial). At Regions, Mr. Harton was responsible for credit risk management of a $58 billion loan portfolio for an $85 billion financial institution. Prior to joining Union Planters, Mr. Harton spent over 21 years with BB&T serving in various capacities, including Corporate Business Banking Manager, Regional Loan Administration, and Commercial Banking Manager.

Mr. Harton graduated from Wake Forest University.