Michael K. Keating, a highly regarded banker who played a key role in Fifth Third Bancorp's recent strong profitability and rapid growth, has resigned from the Tristate's largest banking compato puruse other interests.

Keating

        Mr. Keating, 46, left the parent of Fifth Third Bank after telling chief executive George Schaefer Jr. that he wanted to pursue other options, Paul Reynolds, Fifth Third's general counsel, said Tuesday.

        Mr. Keating's resignation is a surprise in that he was one of Fifth Third's highest-ranking executives and oversaw its rapidly growing investments and trust unit, one of the four lines of business for the bank, which has $70 billion in assets.

        The size of the bank's investment business doubled this year with Fifth Third's $5 billion acquisition of Old Kent Financial Corp.

        Mr. Keating said he has been approached about several opportunities by other companies and will take some time off before deciding what to do next. He will be succeeded by Neal Arnold, Fifth Third's chief financial officer.

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