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2026 Virginia Power 50 List: G. ROBERT ASTON JR.
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, TOWNEBANK, SUFFOLK
Virginia Business //March 1, 2026//
Photo by Mark Rhodes
Photo by Mark Rhodes
2026 Virginia Power 50 List: G. ROBERT ASTON JR.
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, TOWNEBANK, SUFFOLK
Virginia Business //March 1, 2026//
Back in 1998, Aston and friends famously launched what would become Hampton Roads‘ largest community bank from his garage.
TowneBank has made some significant acquisitions in the past year, including the $476 million purchase of North Carolina’s Dogwood State Bank, which was completed in January, and the September 2025 closing of its $203 million buy of Hampton’s Old Point Financial. In April 2025, the bank completed its $120 million purchase of Village Bank.
As of early 2026, TowneBank has more than 70 branches in Virginia and parts of North Carolina — and it’s only one segment of Aston’s 60-year banking career.
He entered the industry in 1964 and became president and CEO of Citizens Trust in 1981. Aston went on to lead Commerce Bank and BB&T of Virginia before founding TowneBank, where he served as board chairman and CEO for 20 years.
Aston has been deeply involved in his community, winning the Civic Leadership Institute’s Darden Award for Regional Leadership and a lifetime achievement award from Volunteer Hampton Roads, among other awards.
