First Financial Bancorp has added Timothy A. Massa, a longtime human-resources executive at Kroger and Procter & Gamble, to its board. The appointment took effect Oct. 27, as the Cincinnati-based bank holding company expanded its board from 10 members to 11.
Massa’s background centers on talent development, executive compensation, succession planning, labor relations and workplace culture. He is expected to stand for shareholder election at the company’s 2027 annual meeting.
Key details
- Massa, 59, spent 16 years at Kroger, including 12 years as executive vice president and chief associate experience officer and a member of its senior leadership team. He retired from Kroger on Sept. 18, 2026.
- Before Kroger, he spent 21 years in human-resources leadership roles at Procter & Gamble.
- First Financial’s board determined that Massa qualifies as an independent director. His appointment followed a recommendation from the board’s governance and nominating committee.
- He will receive a prorated cash retainer and stock award under the company’s standard compensation program for non-employee directors. The award was priced at $32.54 per share, First Financial’s closing price on Oct. 27, and is scheduled to vest at the 2027 annual meeting.
- Massa will be subject to the company’s share-ownership guidelines for outside directors.
Implications
The board expansion adds a director with substantial experience in workforce and leadership issues. The appointment does not itself change First Financial’s ownership or control.