Fred Van Etten has announced his retirement from Midland States Bank, concluding a 47-year career. In a recent LinkedIn post, Van Etten reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the relationships, lessons and milestones achieved throughout his career.
Van Eten’s career is marked by significant leadership roles and contributions to the industry. He served as president and CEO of Midland Equipment Finance, a division of Midland States Bank, from November 2017 to January 2025. In this role, he was responsible for the strategic direction, vision, and profitability of the division.
Prior to this, he founded and led Scottrade Bank Equipment Finance from December 2012 to November 2017, overseeing its successful performance until its sale in 2017. His earlier roles include senior positions at TCF Equipment Finance and Popular Community Bank, where he was instrumental in turning around a failing subsidiary into a significant revenue contributor.
In his retirement announcement, Van Etten also acknowledged his recent induction into the Arizona State University Hall of Fame, recognizing his extensive career achievements. He expressed his intention to spend more time with family, pursue personal passions and manage his family office investments. While stepping away from daily responsibilities, Van Etten assured his continued support for the industry, stating he will “monitor, and cheer on the industry, and all your future successes, from the sidelines.”
