Wende Kotouc added to Associated Banc-Corp Board of Directors
GREEN BAY, Wis., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) (“Associated”) today announced it has completed its merger with American National Corporation (“American National”), including American National’s bank subsidiary, American National Bank. The complementary partnership is expected to enhance Associated’s organic growth potential by combining Associated’s best-in-class value proposition and expanded commercial offering with American National’s client-centric approach and attractive footprint.
The merger builds on a strong 2025 for Associated, which saw relationship loan and deposit growth, record customer growth, and solid credit performance combine to drive the strongest annual net income in company history. Upon conversion, the combined company will be positioned to accelerate that momentum with a proven, relationship-focused strategy featuring a dynamic product suite, modern digital banking experience, effective marketing acquisition engine, and expanded commercial capabilities—all designed to grow and deepen relationships in key growth markets such as Omaha and the Twin Cities.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our new American National customers and colleagues to Associated,” said Associated Banc-Corp President & CEO Andy Harmening. “Associated has strong growth momentum as a franchise, and this partnership complements and accelerates that momentum while maintaining the same local, dependable, and personalized approach that customers of both companies have enjoyed for decades. Importantly, the merger also positions us to deliver enhanced value for our shareholders.”
American National systems, branch locations and customers are expected to be converted to Associated in the third quarter of 2026. American National customers will continue to be serviced through their existing branches, which will be rebranded as Associated Bank branches once conversion is complete.
“Colleagues from both organizations continue to work closely together to facilitate a smooth and successful integration,” said Harmening. “I’d like to thank John and Wende Kotouc and the American National team for their collaboration and commitment to the future of our combined company.”
“We share our new colleagues’ excitement for the future of our united institution,” said John Kotouc, American National Corporation Executive Co-Chairperson/Co-CEO, and Wende Kotouc, American National Bank Executive Co-Chairperson/Co-CEO in a joint statement. “This merger with Associated Bank enables American National to create even greater value for its customers through expanded scale and shared expertise.”
In connection with the merger, Associated announced the appointment of Wende Kotouc to its Board of Directors effective today.
Ms. Kotouc, 63, served as Executive Co-Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of American National Bank and Executive Vice President of American National from July 2019 to April 2026 and as Executive Co-Chairperson of American National Bank’s Board of Directors from May 2017 to April 2026. Ms. Kotouc was also a member of American National’s Board of Directors from May 2013 to April 2026, and she was originally hired by American National in October of 1999. Ms. Kotouc has a long history of community engagement and leadership, including current service on the Omaha Airport Authority Board of Directors, Creighton University Board of Trustees, The Salvation Army Omaha Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Christ Community Church Governing Board.
“We’re extremely pleased to have Wende join our board,” said Associated Chairman Jay Williams.
“Wende brings an extraordinary depth and breadth of knowledge to our board,” added Harmening. “Her unique skillset and well-rounded experience will benefit Associated as we continue to execute our strategic growth plans.”
ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of approximately $50 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from over 200 banking locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. The Company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.
