Old National Announces Commercial Banking Leadership Changes

Chris Doyle joins as President of Commercial Banking, John C. Thurston promoted to President of Corporate Banking

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:59pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life featuring a polished metal desk organizer, a sleek laptop, and a glass of water on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the modern, premium corporate environment of Old National's commercial banking services.Old National's strategic alignment of its commercial banking leadership aims to enhance service and support for the bank's growing roster of corporate clients.Evansville Today

Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) today announced a strategic alignment of its Commercial Banking leadership structure, including the addition of Chris Doyle as President of Commercial Banking and the promotion of John C. Thurston to President of Corporate Banking. The bank is also making changes to its Treasury Management and Commercial middle office functions.

Why it matters

The leadership changes reflect Old National's commitment to providing exceptional service to its growing commercial client base, as well as the bank's focus on leveraging the strengths and experience of its executive team.

The details

As part of the updated structure, Chris Doyle has joined Old National as President of Commercial Banking, overseeing Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Banking, Middle Market Banking, Commercial Real Estate, and Expansion Markets. John C. Thurston has been promoted to President of the Corporate Bank, which will serve Old National's largest commercial clients. Additionally, Joe Wicklander will take on responsibility for Old National's Foreign Exchange (FX) business and FinTech and Liquidity solutions, while Tim Kocher will transition to Chief Service Delivery Officer to strengthen service delivery for Commercial Banking clients.

  • The leadership changes were announced on April 13, 2026.
  • Chris Doyle has joined Old National as President of Commercial Banking.
  • John C. Thurston has been promoted to President of Corporate Banking.
  • Tim Kocher will transition from Chief Credit Strategy Officer to Chief Service Delivery Officer.
  • The changes follow the retirement of Commercial Banking CEO Jim Sandgren on April 1, 2026, after 34 years of service.

The players

Chris Doyle

Doyle brings more than 20 years of banking experience, most recently serving as Commercial Regional Leader, SVP, at a super-regional bank. In his new role, he will oversee Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Banking, Middle Market Banking, Commercial Real Estate, and Expansion Markets.

John C. Thurston

Thurston has been appointed President of the Corporate Bank, which will serve Old National's largest commercial banking clients. He brings 30 years of industry experience and will oversee Corporate Banking, Specialty Banking, and Capital Markets.

Joe Wicklander

As President of Treasury Solutions & Payments, Wicklander will continue to lead Treasury Management, Merchant Services, and the Financial Institutions Group, with added responsibility for Old National's Foreign Exchange (FX) business and FinTech and Liquidity solutions.

Tim Kocher

Kocher will transition from Chief Credit Strategy Officer to Chief Service Delivery Officer, providing operational leadership that strengthens service delivery for Commercial Banking clients.

Jim Sandgren

Sandgren retired on April 1, 2026, after 34 years of service with Old National as the Commercial Banking CEO.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to Old National, and we are equally excited to welcome John into an expanded leadership role. This new alignment not only allows us to fully leverage the strengths and experience of both leaders, it also reflects the growing scale of our Commercial business and our commitment to providing exceptional, highly individualized service to all our commercial clients.”

— Jim Ryan, Old National Chairman and CEO

The takeaway

The leadership changes at Old National demonstrate the bank's focus on strengthening its commercial banking capabilities and providing exceptional service to its growing client base, positioning the organization for continued success in the Midwest and Southeast markets.