Associated Bank Boosts Leadership: Steven Zandpour Joins Executive Team

Associated Bank has announced a significant move to strengthen its executive leadership team with the appointment of Steven Zandpour. Effective January 1, 2025, Zandpour will join the team as executive vice president and deputy head of Consumer and Business Banking, reporting directly to David Stein, executive vice president, head of Consumer and Business Banking, and Madison Market president. This strategic addition is expected to drive growth and enhance customer experience across the bank's major metropolitan markets.

Zandpour brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in consumer and small business growth, having led branch networks, contact centers, and sales channels at BMO and Fifth Third Bank. His people-first leadership style and dedication to colleagues and customers have been instrumental in driving business growth and improving customer experience. In his expanded role at Associated Bank, Zandpour will oversee all revenue sources in the Consumer and Business Banking line of business, including Consumer Lending.

"Steve's people-first leadership style and dedication to colleagues and customers has helped us grow our business and improve our customer experience throughout 2024," said Stein. "By expanding Steve's role to encompass all revenue sources in our line of business, he will expand his impact on delivering additional product and service enhancements to meet the needs of our customers across our footprint."

Zandpour's appointment aligns with Associated Bank's strategic objectives of growing consumer and small business segments and enhancing customer experience. His focus on consumer and small business growth, along with his leadership in branch networks and sales channels, will support these objectives. By expanding his role to include consumer lending, Zandpour will drive revenue growth across the Consumer and Business Banking line of business, furthering the bank's overall growth strategy.



Zandpour's leadership style and past experiences are likely to influence the execution of these initiatives and the bank's culture. His people-first approach, coupled with his background in consumer and small business growth, suggests a focus on employee engagement and customer satisfaction. His involvement in community initiatives also signals a commitment to corporate social responsibility, which could foster a more customer-centric and collaborative culture at Associated Bank.



In conclusion, Associated Bank's appointment of Steven Zandpour to its executive leadership team is a strategic move to enhance consumer and business banking strategies. Zandpour's people-first leadership style, comprehensive background in consumer and business banking, and proven track record in driving growth and improving customer experience position him well to contribute to the bank's ongoing success. As Associated Bank continues to focus on growing and deepening core customer relationships, Zandpour's leadership will likely play a crucial role in achieving these objectives and supporting the bank's overall growth strategy.