12.04.09 Press Release Final

For more information, contact: Leigh Akin Amegy Bank of Texas 713.232.1433 [email protected]

Amegy Bank N.A. Announces Scott J. McLean Has Been Elected CEO and Steve D. Stephens Has Been Elected President

Former CEO Paul B. Murphy, Jr. to Continue to Support Amegy on its Board of Directors HOUSTON (December 4, 2009) – Today, the Board of Directors of Amegy Bank National Association announced that Paul B. Murphy, Jr. has resigned as CEO. Murphy is transitioning to a new role as president and CEO of a new bank in formation. Due to securities laws, all the details of the new organization cannot be shared at this time. Because this new venture’s efforts will not compete with Amegy Bank, Murphy will continue to support Amegy Bank as a member of Amegy’s Board.

The Board also announced that Scott J. McLean, Amegy’s president since 2003, has been elected CEO of Amegy Bank N.A. and that Steve D. Stephens has been elected as president.

“As a cofounder of Amegy Bank in 1990, Paul’s contributions were invaluable in taking the bank from one location and 19 employees to a strong regional presence with $11 billion in assets, more than 80 locations and over 2,000 employees statewide,” said McLean. “His leadership skills will certainly be missed, but we are excited that this new opportunity affords Paul the ability to continue to contribute to the success of Amegy Bank through service on our Board.”

Murphy added, “Over the last 20 years, Amegy Bank has grown to become a true leader in Texas banking. I couldn’t be more confident that the leadership of Scott McLean and Steve Stephens, combined with the continued guidance of Chairman and Founder Walter Johnson, will provide for many more successful years at Amegy Bank. I’m pleased that I will continue to be a supporter and friend of Amegy Bank as a member of the Board.”

With 30 years of Texas banking experience, McLean began with Amegy Bank in 2002. Prior to joining Amegy Bank, he was president of the Houston region of JP Morgan Chase. He began his career with Texas Commerce Bank, which became part of JP Morgan Chase. He rose through the ranks serving in leadership positions in Dallas where he was president and El Paso where he was chairman. -more-

Stephens started his career with Texas Commerce Bank before helping to found Amegy Bank in 1990. During his tenure at Amegy, Stephens has been deeply involved in all aspects of the bank, including in his current role as executive group vice president and leader of Amegy’s commercial banking, retail and private banking activities. Stephens is passionate about doing an outstanding job for Amegy customers and a dedicated advocate for all of the bank’s employees.

Amegy Bank Chairman Walter E. Johnson noted: “Scott and Steve’s close interaction with our customers as well as their intimate participation in the day-to-day workings of Amegy Bank ensure they are wellequipped to step into their respective roles as CEO and president. Their deep involvement within the community, coupled with their steadfast commitment to doing what’s best for Amegy customers, will lead Amegy to continued growth.”

Johnson continued: “I couldn’t be more excited for this new opportunity for Paul. He is an incredibly capable banker, and I look forward to seeing him apply the expertise and skills that he has displayed in Texas to markets in other parts of the United States.”

McLean is actively involved in the Houston community, including the United Way, where he has served as chairman of the board and chairman of the 2008-09 United Way $80 million community-wide campaign. In addition, McLean is a former Senior Warden of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. He also serves on the Campaign Executive Committee for SMU’s current capital campaign, is a member of the Young President’s Organization and is a director of Memorial Hermann Hospital System and the Sam Houston Area Council-Boy Scouts of America. McLean received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and his MBA from Northwestern University J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Stephens is a director of Boys & Girls Country and currently serves on the finance committee for Chapelwood United Methodist Church. His other community activities include the American Leadership Forum, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Boy Scouts of America. Stephens attended Texas Christian University and received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Houston. About Amegy Bank of Texas With assets of more than $11 billion, local decision making and a history of relationship banking, Amegy Bank of Texas has the resources to serve leading Texas companies as a source of capital as well as provide efficient and effective treasury management, international and investment services. The Bank, with more than 71 locations in Houston, six in Dallas and five in San Antonio, specializes in commercial banking as well as private financial management and trust services for families and individuals, and retail and mortgage banking services. Amegy is a part of the Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: ZION) collection of great banks. ###