Orlando Roche arrived in Miami from Cuba at 13, an experience that taught him early what it meant to adapt. Learning a new language while adjusting to a new culture required flexibility and patience, lessons he still carries.
He often says change is the only constant, a perspective that has guided him through a 34-year banking career spanning commercial lending, private wealth and executive leadership at some of the region’s leading financial institutions.
Mr. Roche attended Belen Jesuit Prep and later Florida International University, where he studied finance and economics.
Banking wasn’t his initial path. He explored architecture and pre-med, but a summer job at AmeriFirst during a difficult economic period introduced him to the industry. Working with clients facing financial strain taught him the importance of clear communication and sound advice.
From there he joined SunTrust’s management training program, gaining experience in credit and commercial lending before moving into private banking and leadership roles.
He later became senior banking officer at Northern Trust.
Today he serves as market president for First Horizon Bank in Miami-Dade County. His role includes oversight of private, business and retail banking across a county with one of the country’s most diverse and globally connected economies.
First Horizon, with roughly $85 billion in assets, blends the resources of a large institution with the agility of a community-focused bank, a model Mr. Roche says allows teams to collaborate locally and deliver personalized, relationship-driven service. Collaboration across teams, he says, is central to how the bank approaches client service.
Mr. Roche is also focused on the industry-wide push toward technology and security, noting the growth of mobile banking, digital onboarding and enhanced fraud protection.
As First Horizon expands, including a planned broadened presence in the Florida Keys in 2026, he expects regulatory oversight to intensify and says the goal is to stay ahead of those demands.
Community involvement remains a constant. Mr. Roche serves on boards including the Florida International University Foundation, Baptist West Kendall Hospital and Camillus House, and has supported organizations across education, healthcare, hunger relief and youth development. He views that work as part of the responsibility that comes with leading in a city shaped by opportunity, mobility and reinvention.
He balances his professional commitments with time spent with family and friends, and says his approach to leadership is straightforward: create trust, support teams and help people build long-term financial confidence.
Mr. Roche spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen.
Read the full interview in this week’s print or digital edition of Miami Today. Full access is available exclusively to our subscribers. Click here to access your subscription or to subscribe!
This week’s profile will appear in next year’s Book of Leaders.
Miami Today publishes a Book of Leaders every year. This book is a compilation of all The Achievers profiled in every edition.
The information in this book is available nowhere else – the stories of the women and men who are shaping the development of Greater Miami.
If you would like to order a copy of the Book of Leaders from 1997 to 2024 or a complete set, click here to place your order.
The post Orlando Roche: First Horizon Bank’s market president will extend his reach appeared first on Miami Today.
Want more insights? Join Grow With Caliber - our career elevating newsletter and get our take on the future of work delivered weekly.
