Wintrust Financial Named New Bank CEOs
The company appointed Stephen L. Madden and George Reimnitz to lead its Lake Forest and Libertyville branches.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
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Wintrust Financial Corporation announced new leadership for its North Shore community banks. Stephen L. Madden and George Reimnitz have been appointed as the new presidents and CEOs of Lake Forest Bank and Libertyville Bank, respectively.
Why it matters
These changes follow the departure of former Lake Forest Bank CEO Chris Baker, who left the firm to pursue an opportunity outside of the banking industry. The transition reshuffles veteran internal leaders across key Illinois bank branches.
Stephen L. Madden has been with Wintrust since 2000, while George Reimnitz joined the financial organization in 2010. The company manages these banks as part of its broader North Shore community network.
The players
Wintrust Financial Corporation
This financial holding company is based in Rosemont, Illinois, and operates through various community bank subsidiaries.
Stephen L. Madden
He is the newly appointed president and CEO of Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, N.A. who has served the company for over two decades.
George Reimnitz
He is the new president and CEO of Libertyville Bank and Trust Company, N.A. following his tenure at Crystal Lake Bank.
Chris Baker
He is the former CEO of Lake Forest Bank & Trust who resigned to pursue a career path outside of the banking sector.
The details
Stephen L. Madden moves to Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, N.A. after serving as the president and CEO of Libertyville Bank and Trust Company, N.A. George Reimnitz, previously the president of Crystal Lake Bank and Trust Company, N.A., succeeds Madden in the Libertyville role.
Timeline
Stephen L. Madden began his tenure at Wintrust in 2000.
George Reimnitz started working with Wintrust in 2010.
Wintrust Financial announced the leadership updates on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
These executive transitions highlight the stability of the Wintrust Financial Corporation decentralized community banking model. By promoting long-term internal veterans, the organization maintains continuity in its regional operations across Illinois.
Customers of Lake Forest Bank and Libertyville Bank should expect continuity in their daily banking services and existing account management. No changes to retail pricing or service availability were announced alongside these leadership updates.
The takeaway
Large financial firms often rely on long-tenured internal leaders to preserve the unique culture of individual community branches during executive transitions. Understanding these internal shifts can help clients maintain confidence in the operational consistency of their local bank.
Further reading
For more information on executive moves, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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