News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24 , 2003

Hancock Bank names Ginn as Mississippi director

GULFPORT, MS (July 24, 2003) - Following the bank's July 2003 board meeting, George A. Schloegel, Hancock Bank President and Chief Executive Officer, announced that James R. Ginn has retired as Executive Vice President after more than 40 years of service to the company. At the same time, Schloegel announced that Ginn has been named to the Hancock Bank of Mississippi board of directors.

"We are very pleased to appoint James Ginn to Hancock Bank's Mississippi board. He has been a mentor to hundreds of bankers throughout his career, and his longtime professional and personal commitment to the organization exemplify the integrity and dedication that have helped Hancock grow into one of the country's strongest financial institutions. In his role as a Mississippi director, he will remain a valuable resource as the company pursues opportunities throughout the Gulf South," said Schloegel.

Ginn, a Pearl River Community College (PRCC) alumnus, attended Delta State University and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Prior to retiring from his daily duties, he served for 20 years on the Hancock Holding Company senior management committee. Ginn joined Hancock Bank in 1961. In 2002, the Mississippi Bankers Association (MBA) tapped Ginn for membership in the MBA's prestigious 40-Year Club for his four decades of service to the state's financial services industry. According to Schloegel, Ginn's experience as the regional executive officer responsible for operations, growth, and sales management of Hancock's Mississippi branches as well as one the company's senior credit officers will enable him to offer significant counsel and advice as a board member.

A Hancock County native and Bay St. Louis High School graduate, Ginn has led and participated in countless civic and philanthropic initiatives, including the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Bay St. Louis School Board, Rotary, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and United Way. He is a past president of the Bay St. Louis Jaycees and the Hancock County Heart Association. Additionally, Ginn is a past president of the Pearl River Community College Alumni Association and served on the PRCC Foundation board. He currently serves on the Coast Electric Power Association board of directors and as an interim pastor for the Assembly of God.

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC), the parent company of Hancock Bank, has assets of $4.1 billion. Founded 1899, Hancock Bank operates 102 branches in South Mississippi and South Central Louisiana as well as bank subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Mortgage Corporation, Hancock Insurance Agency, and Harrison Finance Company. Additional corporate information and on-line banking and bill pay services are available at www.hancockbank.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, Corporate
Communications Manager
800.522.6542 (ext. 5252) or 228.214.5252
paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com