Old National Bank’s Commercial Banking CEO Jim Sandgren has announced his retirement effective April 2026. The announcement marks the conclusion of a distinguished nearly 35-year career at the Evansville-based regional banking powerhouse. Sandgren’s departure represents a significant leadership transition for one of the Midwest’s largest commercial banks.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Jim Sandgren retiring as Commercial Banking CEO in April 2026 after nearly 35 years with Old National Bank
- Announcement made December 3, 2025 by Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan in company press release
- Sandgren previously served as President, COO, and Southern Region CEO at the organization
- Old National Bank manages approximately $71 billion in assets across 10 states with Midwest and Southeast operations
A Legacy Built Over Three Decades
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Sandgren joined Old National Bancorp in 1992 and swiftly became instrumental in shaping the bank’s commercial banking strategy. His leadership transformed Old National into a regional financial institution with substantial reach and influence. Throughout his tenure, he held multiple executive positions, demonstrating versatility and strategic vision across various operational domains.
The executive worked his way through senior leadership, earning recognition for his unwavering dedication to clients, employees, and community involvement. His commitment to excellence became a defining characteristic of the commercial banking division. Jim Ryan, Old National’s Chairman and CEO, praised Sandgren’s contributions extensively.
What Sandgren’s Departure Means for Old National
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Old National Bank has experienced significant growth during Sandgren’s tenure, expanding from a regional player to a $71 billion asset institution with operations spanning 10 states. The bank recently completed a merger with Bremer Bank in May 2025, which further strengthened its Midwest and Southeast presence. Sandgren’s commercial banking leadership was integral to maintaining operational excellence throughout this transformative period.
The retirement announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. Old National’s commercial banking division remains a cornerstone of its business strategy. The bank will need to identify and develop a successor capable of maintaining momentum in this critical division. The commercial lending operations represent a substantial component of Old National’s revenue generation and client relationships.
| Leadership Transition Details | Information |
| Retiring Executive | Jim Sandgren, Commercial Banking CEO |
| Tenure at Organization | Nearly 35 years (since 1992) |
| Retirement Effective Date | April 2026 |
| Announcement Date | December 3, 2025 |
| Current Employer Asset Base | Approximately $71 billion |
Executive Leadership’s Response
Jim Ryan, Old National’s Chairman and CEO, released a statement honoring Sandgren’s contributions. Ryan emphasized that serving alongside Sandgren for more than a decade “has been one of the great privileges of my career.” He specifically highlighted Sandgren’s commitment to clients, team members, and communities. Ryan acknowledged that Sandgren’s leadership established “a standard of excellence that will stand as his legacy.”
“His unwavering commitment to our clients, our team, and our communities has established a standard of excellence that will stand as his legacy.”
— Jim Ryan, Chairman and CEO, Old National Bancorp
What Sandgren Says About His Decision
In remarks regarding his retirement, Sandgren acknowledged the difficulty of stepping away from a career he has deeply enjoyed. He reflected on the challenge of retiring “when you absolutely love what you do and when you get to work alongside amazing, passionate people every day.” His statement reveals an executive devoted to his role and colleagues throughout his decades-long tenure.
Sandgren’s decision to retire represents a natural milestone after nearly 35 years of service. The timing allows Old National to conduct a thoughtful succession planning process. During the interim period before his April 2026 departure, Sandgren will continue leading the commercial banking division, ensuring stability during the transition. His continued presence provides Old National with runway to identify and prepare his successor.
What Banking Industry Experts Anticipate Next for Old National?
The commercial banking sector closely monitors leadership transitions at major regional institutions. Sandgren’s retirement represents a significant moment for Old National’s strategic direction. Industry observers will likely assess whether Old National promotes an internal candidate or recruits external talent for this critical role. The bank’s recent Bremer merger integration requires steady leadership in commercial operations.
Old National’s ability to retain key commercial banking relationships during this transition will prove essential. Long-standing client relationships often depend on familiar leadership faces. The bank must ensure that the successor brings sufficient experience and credibility to maintain client confidence. Additionally, the selection process will signal Old National’s strategic priorities for commercial lending in upcoming years.
Patrick Graham is a business and finance journalist translating Wall Street’s complexities into stories that matter to everyday readers. With extensive experience in financial journalism and economic analysis, this expert journalist provides sharp insights on market trends, corporate developments, and the economic forces affecting daily life. His reporting helps readers make sense of the business world’s biggest moves.