Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Mike Lebens, senior vice president and commercial banking market leader, will succeed Paul Schmidt, executive vice president and head of commercial real estate and facilities, as Associated Banc-Corp’s Twin Cities market president. The announcement was made at the grand opening of the bank’s new IDS Center branch in the iconic Crystal Court.
Lebens joined Associated in May 2024 from Wells Fargo Bank, where he spent 22 years in various leadership positions. He will continue to report directly to Phillip Trier, executive vice president, head of corporate and commercial banking.
“Mike’s strategic mindset and collaborative leadership style will play a key role in advancing our long-term goals in the region, and we’re excited for the positive impact he will make for our clients, colleagues and communities,” Trier said. “Paul has been a valued partner, and someone I have worked closely with since joining the bank and helped us create our market strategy for the Twin Cities and laid the foundation for our growth you are seeing today.”
In October 2024, Paul Schmidt, current Twin Cities market president and head of commercial real estate and facilities, announced his intent to retire at the end of 2025. He was named Twin Cities market president in 2022, after joining Associated in 2015.
“I’m excited to continue proving why Associated is the bank to watch in the Twin Cities, and beyond, which is thanks to Paul and Phil’s leadership,” Lebens said. “Associated’s focus on relationships and personalized service is what sets us apart, and I’m eager to lead our efforts to help clients and businesses build strong relationships as we drive growth in this dynamic market.”
Schmidt said, “Relocating to the IDS Center, a building so renown it doesn’t need an address, reflects our dedication to being part of the heartbeat of Minneapolis. Our 18 branch locations across the state align with our broader business strategies which enable us to stay closely connected to our clients and communities that helps us drive the region’s economic momentum.”
