Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants, will retire at the end of the year after 29 years with the bank. Mike Stewart, current president of First Merchants Bank, 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,” Jean Wojtowicz, chair of the board of directors of First Merchants and First Merchants Bank, said. “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.”
Hardwick added, “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. First Merchants is a company with a wonderful culture and endless opportunities. We have boldly stepped into those opportunities with a courageous expectant attitude. My faith is an important part of my life, and I want to dedicate more time to consultative faith-based leadership. My wife, Cathy, and I are excited about the next chapter in our life’s journey, and I am also incredibly proud of what we as a bank leadership team have accomplished together at First Merchants.”
Stewart is a familiar face to those inside and outside the bank as an active leader in the community, currently serving on the board of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP); Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC), Indy Chamber, Indiana Chamber, Park Tudor Foundation and Second Presbyterian Foundation. He also actively participates in Streets to Home Indy, Indiana Bankers Association and American Heart Association. He previously served as chairman of the board of Bosma Industries and was a 20-year board member.
“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. My wife, Barb, and I have loved living in Indianapolis for 38 years and are excited for this next chapter of leading the bank to new levels of strength in Indy and in every market First Merchants is privileged to serve.”
