News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24 , 2003

Webb named Hancock Bank of Mississippi Vice Chairman

GULFPORT, MS (July 24, 2003) - Charles A. Webb, Jr., was elected Vice Chairman of Hancock Bank of Mississippi at the bank's July 2003 board meeting, succeeding the late Tom W. Milner.

According to Leo W. Seal, Jr., Hancock's Chairman, Webb joined the bank in 1948 and has served in numerous leadership positions over the years, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. In addition, Webb has served on the bank's senior management committee, on the bank's Mississippi and Louisiana board of directors, and as Secretary of Hancock Holding Company - the parent company of Hancock Bank - for many years.

A Gulfport native and graduate of Gulfport High School, Webb pursued further education by finishing the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, the Senior Bank Officers School at Harvard Business College, and the School of Commercial Lending at Oklahoma University.

He is a past president and commissioner of the Mississippi State Port Authority, past president of the Gulfport Jaycees, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Propeller Club, and American Associates of Port Authorities. A Korean War veteran, he is active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Following Seal's announcement, George A. Schloegel, Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Holding Company, added, "Charlie Webb is a well-respected banker who has played an integral role in Hancock Bank's growth as a financial services leader for over half of the company's history. His extensive knowledge of the industry, the company, and the South Mississippi communities Hancock serves will be a great complement to his long-established leadership capacity as he assumes responsibilities as board vice chairman."

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) 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