Associated Banc-Corp announced the appointment of Heath Sorenson to executive vice president, managing director, Associated Trust Company. Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Sorenson will become executive vice president, managing director and chief executive officer, Associated Trust and John Thayer, current chief executive officer and executive vice president of Associated Trust, will transition into the role of executive vice president and senior leadership advisor, Associated Trust.

Sorenson joined Associated Private Wealth on Dec. 9, reporting to Jayne Hladio, executive vice president, and Associated Private Wealth president. He will assume responsibility for leading and managing the Associated Trust Company's delivery of comprehensive wealth management solutions. This includes strategy, revenue growth, technology, risk, operations and compliance of Associated Trust. Sorenson will lead Personal, Corporate and Institutional Trust Services, Investment Management, Retirement Plan Solutions and Trust Administration/Operations.

"Heath's deep wealth management experience and talents strengthen our ability to grow through enhanced client experience, sales, operational efficiency, and high-performance teambuilding," said Hladio. "His fiduciary and suitability knowledge of trust and investment advisory boards, committees, governance, and regulatory agencies complements our people-first, 'One Associated' approach to advocating for our clients and communities."

Sorenson possesses broad and deep wealth management knowledge with more than 25 years of experience, most recently with Midland States Bank as chief operating officer of Midland Wealth Management, Midland Wealth Advisors, LLC, and president of Midland Trust Company. He has led acquisition efforts in expansion markets and wealth verticals. Prior experience includes senior vice president of Investments and Capital Market Operations at AMCORE/BMO, registered principal/branch manager at Raymond James, and vice president/manager of Loan Servicing.

"I am excited to join Associated Bank Private Wealth and Associated Trust Company to build on the incredible growth momentum Jayne Hladio and the team have underway," said Sorenson. "My wife, Tiggi, and I look forward to meeting clients and engaging with the community given our familiarity with the Midwest as life-long residents."

Thayer joined Associated Bank in 2000, as chief investment officer, and became head of Private Wealth in 2021. In his nearly 25-year tenure with the bank, Thayer unified previously separate businesses into one wealth management entity. Leading a team of more than 300 professionals, he crafted the business' inaugural financial, operational, and growth strategies that drove nearly $150M in revenue within three years. Thayer guided the business through multiple crises and regulatory shifts while developing and recruiting excellent talent and establishing a new leadership team.

"John's exceptional leadership contributions have helped Associated Trust Company grow into a regional powerhouse by deepening relationships, elevating our offerings, and creating value for our clients," said Hladio. "We value John's leadership in building this team and creating a Private Wealth culture dedicated to delivering excellence in our fast-changing industry. His advocacy continues as we proceed. We deeply appreciate John's years of service and look forward to his future contributions."