First Merchants in Muncie, Ind., will begin 2027 with a new CEO.
The $21 billion-asset company said in a press release that Mike Stewart will also become its president. Stewart, the bank’s president, will succeed. Mark Hardwick, who is retiring.
“We wish Mark well and are grateful for his outstanding leadership through years of tremendous growth, including 18 acquisitions during his tenure,” Jean Wojtowicz, the company’s chair, said in the release. “We are extremely pleased to have a seasoned leader in Mike Stewart who has already proven ready to take First Merchants to the next level.”
“We will continue our focus on organically growing in the communities we serve with renewed vigor,” Stewart said. “We have an excellent executive team, supported by locally based senior leaders across our footprint. Our strategy is to build on our Midwestern strength, growing through more and deeper relationships, smarter use of technology, and customer-centric products that expand our reach.”