Edward J. Wehmer, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Wintrust Financial Corp, has been a significant force in the banking sector since 1996. Starting with a single bank branch, he led the company to grow into a multi-billion-dollar financial services...

Edward J. Wehmer, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Wintrust Financial Corp, has been a significant force in the banking sector since 1996. Starting with a single bank branch, he led the company to grow into a multi-billion-dollar financial services enterprise with over 170 locations and 5,200 employees. He has a strong background in finance, having worked for a major accounting firm before taking on leadership roles in banking. During his time as CEO, he achieved impressive profits and drove considerable asset growth. Wehmer's leadership style is focused on building a dedicated management team and emphasizing continuous growth in earnings, deposits, and loans. Notably, he retains a substantial stake in Wintrust, demonstrating his commitment to the company's success. In a recent strategic transition, Wehmer stepped down as CEO to become Executive Chairman, ensuring a smooth leadership shift while continuing to influence the company's future direction.