Lake Forest Bank Gets New CEO In Wintrust Leadership Shift

LAKE FOREST, IL — Wintrust Financial Corporation announced leadership changes at two of its North Shore community banks, naming Stephen L. Madden president and chief executive officer of Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, N.A., and George Reimnitz president and chief executive officer of Libertyville Bank and Trust Company, N.A.

Madden succeeds Chris Baker at Lake Forest Bank & Trust. According to the announcement, Baker left Wintrust to pursue a new opportunity outside of banking. Madden joined Wintrust in 2000 as a commercial real estate banker at Lake Forest Bank & Trust and most recently served as president and CEO of Libertyville Bank and Trust. The company said he also serves as market leader for Wintrust’s North Region.

Reimnitz will replace Madden as head of Libertyville Bank and Trust. He most recently served as president of Crystal Lake Bank and Trust Company, N.A., and joined Wintrust in 2010, according to the company.

“We are pleased that Steve and George will step into these new roles continuing our history of providing local leadership and strong community connection in addition to the sophisticated banking solutions of a large financial institution,” said David Lee, vice chairman of Wintrust Financial Corporation. “We also thank Chris for his 25 years of service and wish him well in his new endeavor.”

Wintrust said its charter banking model remains a key part of how the company operates. In the announcement, the company said the model allows it to offer local decision-making, customer service and community connections associated with a community bank while also providing the products, services and resources of a $75 billion financial institution.

“Steve and George know the important role our bankers play in understanding the opportunities and challenges in our markets and working to ensure we provide the right banking solutions to help our clients and communities thrive,” said Kam Kniss, executive vice president of Wintrust Community Banks. “We are fortunate to have these strong leaders in their new roles.”