Associated Banc-Corp, the largest bank-holding company based in Wisconsin, recently launched a nationally focused Franchise Banking vertical that will be based in Minneapolis.
The vertical expands the company’s portfolio of industry-specific specialty financial solutions and complements its broader organic growth initiative that focuses on strengthening its core business in the Midwest and expanding into complementary markets and businesses.
The company has appointed Shaun Coard as Franchise Banking senior vice president, business segment leader. She has more than 30 years of financial services experience and comes to the company from Bremer Bank where she led the national Franchise Banking division. She also was head of commercial banking in Regions Bank’s Houston market and spent more than a decade in commercial banking leadership roles at Wells Fargo.
“She brings a demonstrated history of successfully launching and growing new platforms, establishing disciplined credit frameworks, and cultivating strong brand and operator relationships,” John Utz, executive vice president, said. “Her expertise will accelerate our ability to deliver tailored capital solutions and strategic guidance to franchise owners, while strengthening Associated’s position as a differentiated, industry-focused financial partner.”
Associated Banc-Corp operates more than 200 banking locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska and has loan production offices in six more states.