Associated Bank Names Neil Riegelman as Milwaukee Market President

Riegelman to lead commercial banking strategy in one of the bank's most important markets

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:06pm

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Associated Banc-Corp, the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin, has appointed Neil Riegelman as the new Milwaukee market president. Riegelman will take over the role from John Utz, who will now focus on scaling the bank's nationally focused specialty businesses.

Why it matters

The leadership transition is part of Associated Bank's strategy to accelerate growth in the Milwaukee market and expand its national verticals. Milwaukee is one of the bank's most important markets, and the new leadership aims to build on the commercial banking success the bank has achieved in recent years.

The details

Effective April 1, Neil Riegelman, who currently serves as senior vice president and head of Commercial Banking for Milwaukee and Madison, will also assume the role of Milwaukee market president. He succeeds John Utz, who has been the Milwaukee market president since 2015 and will now dedicate his focus to scaling the bank's nationally focused specialty businesses.

  • Riegelman's appointment as Milwaukee market president will be effective on April 1, 2026.
  • Utz has served as the Milwaukee market president since 2015.

The players

Neil Riegelman

Senior vice president and head of Commercial Banking for Milwaukee and Madison at Associated Bank. He will now also assume the role of Milwaukee market president.

John Utz

Executive vice president, Milwaukee market president and head of Specialized Industries at Associated Bank. He will now focus on scaling the bank's nationally focused specialty businesses.

Associated Banc-Corp

The largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin, with total assets of $45 billion and nearly 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri.

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What they’re saying

“When I joined Associated and took on the role of market president, the directive for Milwaukee was clear: build a stronger commercial platform and expand our relevance in the market and I'm proud of what we have accomplished so far.”

— John Utz, Executive vice president, Milwaukee market president and head of Specialized Industries

“Neil is a Wisconsin native who can continue to grow our Milwaukee business while I focus on growing our specialized industries across the country.”

— John Utz, Executive vice president, Milwaukee market president and head of Specialized Industries

“John's leadership has been instrumental in elevating our Milwaukee presence and building deep connections across the business community. I'm honored to step into this role and continue advancing our commercial strategy in one of our most important markets.”

— Neil Riegelman, Senior vice president and head of Commercial Banking - Milwaukee and Madison

The takeaway

The leadership transition at Associated Bank's Milwaukee market reflects the bank's focus on accelerating growth and expanding its national presence. By appointing a new market president with deep local ties and commercial banking expertise, the bank aims to build on its recent commercial banking success and solidify its position as a leading financial partner in the Milwaukee business community.