Rick Redden is a former banking division CEO, current board director, executive coach, and strategic partner with more than 35 years of experience creating and operationalizing strategy, developing high-impact executive talent, and leading organizations through transformation.

Blue Tide Strategic Partners was formed on the strong foundation of Rick’s work as the founder of R3 Advisors, LLC, and his long-standing partnership with The McNair Group, LLC, where he collaborated closely to support leaders navigating growth, complexity, and change.

Throughout his career, Rick has partnered with banks, public and private companies, nonprofits, and higher education institutions to strengthen strategic plans, navigate industry change, and accelerate execution. His advisory work includes supporting acquisitions, major investments, capital structure decisions, succession planning, and enterprise-level transformation.

Prior to consulting, Rick held multiple senior leadership roles with a top U.S. bank, including Commercial Executive, Division Chief Risk Officer, State President, and ultimately Division CEO. In that role, he was directly responsible for a $3 billion P&L, serving 2.5 million customers across 2,000+ branches and ATMs, and leading more than 7,000 employees. He also played key roles in company-transforming initiatives such as merger integration, customer segmentation, talent management, and business redesign.

As a strategic partner and executive coach, Rick is known for helping leaders align strategy, structure, and talent to maximize growth, client satisfaction, and long-term performance—particularly in complex, regulated, or rapidly changing environments.

Areas of expertise include:

• Strategy and execution

• Executive coaching and leadership development

• Organizational assessment and design

• Board governance and facilitation

• Inspirational speaking

Rick earned a B.S. in Business from Appalachian State University, an MBA from Georgia Tech, and is a graduate of the UNC–Chapel Hill Executive Leadership Program. He is deeply engaged in community and board service, having served in leadership roles with the Charleston Economic Leadership Council (Chair), Clemson University Board of Visitors, NC CEO Council, and the Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra.

He has also been active within the banking industry, serving on the boards of the South Carolina Bankers Association (Chair) and the North Carolina Bankers Association, and participating in national financial services forums. Rick currently serves on the Board of Directors of First Reliance Bank, as an Elder at LifePark Church, and as a Trustee of Charleston Southern University (Vice Chair).