First Merchants Bank CEO Mark Hardwick to retire at the end of 2026 and President Mike Stewart to become President and CEO
Key Highlights
- ➤Mark Hardwick (FRME) retires at year-end 2026 after 29 years with First Merchants
- ➤Mike Stewart becomes First Merchants President and CEO at the start of 2027
- ➤First Merchants (FRME) has approximately $21 billion in assets
- ➤Stewart plans renewed organic growth through deeper relationships, technology, and customer-centric products
Expert Statements
Jean Wojtowicz, Chair of the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank
“We wish Mark well and are grateful for his outstanding leadership through years of tremendous growth, including 18 acquisitions during his tenure.”
Jean Wojtowicz, Chair of the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank
“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.”
Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Corporation
“It’s been my great pleasure to serve as the CEO of this 133-year-old financial institution with nearly 300,000 clients, 126 locations in 3 states, and 2,200 employees who work every day to enhance the financial wellness of our communities and clients.”
Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Corporation
“My faith is an important part of my life, and I want to dedicate more time to consultative faith-based leadership.”
Mike Stewart, President of First Merchants Bank
“We will continue our focus on organically growing in the communities we serve with renewed vigor.”
Mike Stewart, President of First Merchants Bank
“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.”
MUNCIE, Ind., Oct. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) today announced that CEO Mark Hardwick will retire at the end of the year after 29 years with the bank. The First Merchants Corporation Board of Directors announced that Mike Stewart, current First Merchants Bank President who has been with the bank for more than 18 years, will become President and CEO at the start of 2027.
“We wish Mark well and are grateful for his outstanding leadership through years of tremendous growth, including 18 acquisitions during his tenure,” said Jean Wojtowicz, Chair of the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. “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.”
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