Neil Riegelman Takes the Helm as Milwaukee Market President at Associated Bank
Associated Bank Strengthens Leadership for Market Expansion
In a pivotal move for its Milwaukee operations, Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has officially announced the appointment of Neil Riegelman as the new Milwaukee Market President, effective April 1, 2026. Riegelman, previously serving as Senior Vice President and the head of Commercial Banking for Milwaukee and Madison, brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to his new role.
Riegelman's promotion follows the tenure of John Utz, who successfully helmed the Milwaukee market since 2015. Under Utz's leadership, the bank made significant strides in broadening its commercial and corporate banking services, transitioning the institution from a primarily consumer-focused brand to a comprehensive financial partner. Utz now shifts his focus toward expanding Associated's specialty businesses on a national scale, emphasizing strategic growth in this segment of the bank’s operations.
"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. I'm proud of our achievements so far," Utz stated.
Riegelman's Vision for Milwaukee
Riegelman echoed these sentiments, describing his excitement to continue advancing the bank's commercial strategies in one of its most crucial markets. "John's leadership has been instrumental in shaping our Milwaukee presence and building meaningful connections within the business community. I am honored to step into this role and further advance our commercial strategy," Riegelman remarked.
Initially joining Associated in October 2023, Riegelman has played a vital role in developing the bank's commercial banking team and enhancing client relations across Southern Wisconsin. These efforts have contributed to the commercial business experiencing unprecedented growth, with 2025 reported as the strongest year for commercial lending in the company's history.
Riegelman's leadership comes with a solid academic foundation, holding a finance degree from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. His commitment to the local community is evident through his involvement with organizations such as Discovery World and Ducks Unlimited of Milwaukee, where he serves on the boards, and he resides in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
About Associated Banc-Corp
As the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin, Associated Banc-Corp manages assets of approximately $45 billion. The institution operates across nearly 200 locations, offering a diverse range of financial products and services to numerous communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. In addition, Associated maintains loan production offices in several states, including Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Texas, enhancing its national footprint.
As Associated moves forward with its leadership transition, Riegelman's deep roots within the Wisconsin community and his strategic vision are expected to drive continued growth and success in the Milwaukee market, positioning the bank for a robust future in the competitive banking landscape.