ST. LOUIS, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lois M. Powell has been named as the new regional manager of the Southwest region for A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., company officials announced today. Powell currently serves as a regional sales manager for the St. Louis-based financial services firm. Her new responsibilities, effective March 1, will include supervising operations and activities for approximately 62 A.G. Edwards branch offices located in Texas and New Mexico. "Lois has been a manager in Texas for more than a decade, and her experience in our branch system will serve her well as she assumes her new responsibilities," said Gene M. Diederich, Branch Division director for A.G. Edwards. "From her early days as a financial consultant, Lois has embraced our client-first philosophy, and we are confident she will provide the leadership we need to continue to grow our business in the Southwest." Powell, 50, began her career at A.G. Edwards in 1990 as a financial consultant in the firm's McKinney, Texas branch. She was later appointed manager of the McKinney branch, and in 2000 she moved to the firm's Dallas office to serve as manager there. Most recently, she was appointed Southwest regional sales manager in 2003. In this capacity, she has worked with branch managers throughout the region to identify and leverage opportunities to increase the firm's business and enhance financial consultant productivity. Powell replaces David C. Sprowl, 65, who will be retiring on May 1, after more than 30 years with the firm. Sprowl began his career with A.G. Edwards in 1974 as a financial consultant in its Sherman, Texas branch. He later served as manager of that office, and was promoted to regional officer in 1984. He has served on the brokerage subsidiary's board of directors since 1986. About A.G. Edwards Drawn to the firm's client-first philosophy, individuals and businesses have turned to A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. for sound advice and access to a wide array of investment products and services that can help them meet their financial goals and objectives. Founded in 1887, A.G. Edwards and its affiliates employ nearly 7,000 financial consultants in more than 700 offices nationwide and two European locations in London and Geneva. More information can be found on http://www.agedwards.com/ . How we do business A.G. Edwards generally acts as a broker-dealer, but may act as an investment advisor on designated accounts, and the firm's obligations will vary with the role it plays. When working with clients the firm generally acts as a broker-dealer unless specifically indicated in writing. To better understand the differences between brokerage and advisory services, please consult Important Information About Your Relationship With A.G.Edwards on http://www.agedwards.com/disclosures . First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: DATASOURCE: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. CONTACT: Margaret Welch, +1-314-955-5912, , or Byron Goodrich, +1-314-955-3235, , both of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. Web site: http://www.agedwards.com/ http://www.agedwards.com/disclosures

Copyright