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- Departure of CEO (new) — The current CEO is retiring, a leadership transition that warrants investor attention.
First Merchants CEO Mark Hardwick to retire Jan 1, 2027; Michael Stewart named successor
Filed October 1, 2026 · Period ending October 1, 2026 · ~1 min read
Key Changes
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high
CEO Mark K. Hardwick will retire effective January 1, 2027, after 29 years with the bank.
Item 5.02 verify on EDGAR → -
high
Michael J. Stewart, current Bank President with over 18 years at the company, will become President and CEO and principal executive officer on January 1, 2027.
Item 5.02 verify on EDGAR → -
medium
No additional compensatory arrangements were entered into in connection with Stewart's appointment.
Item 5.02 verify on EDGAR → -
medium
The company issued a press release announcing the executive management change, attached as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 8.01 verify on EDGAR →
Summary
First Merchants Corp announced that CEO Mark K. Hardwick will retire effective January 1, 2027, after 29 years with the bank. Michael J. Stewart, currently President of First Merchants Bank and an 18-year veteran, will succeed him as President and CEO and principal executive officer on the same date. The filing states no additional compensatory arrangements were made in connection with the appointment.
The retirement of a long-tenured CEO is a material governance event, even when planned. Investors should note the transition of leadership and the continuity provided by Stewart's long history with the company.
Section-by-Section Diff
Event · Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Compensation
First Merchants CEO Mark K. Hardwick will retire Jan 1, 2027; Michael J. Stewart becomes President and CEO.
Added in current filing · verify on EDGAR →
the upcoming retirement of the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer, Mark K. Hardwick, effective January 1, 2027
Mark K. Hardwick will retire as CEO effective January 1, 2027. The filing does not state a reason for the retirement beyond the effective date.
Added in current filing · verify on EDGAR →
Michael J. Stewart will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer and will become the Company’s principal executive officer. Such appointment will be effective on January 1, 2027
Michael J. Stewart will become President and CEO and principal executive officer effective January 1, 2027, continuing until the next annual meeting or until a successor is appointed. The filing states no additional compensatory arrangements were entered into in connection with the appointment.
Event · Item 8.01 — Other Events
Item 8.01 — Other Events filed; see Key Changes for terms.
Added in current filing · verify on EDGAR →
On October 1, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing a change to its executive management group as described in Item 5.02 above.
The company disclosed a change to its executive management group, referencing Item 5.02 of the same filing for details. The press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
Event · Exhibit 99.1
First Merchants CEO Mark Hardwick will retire at end of 2026; President Mike Stewart becomes President and CEO in 2027.
Added in current filing · view on EDGAR →
CEO Mark Hardwick will retire at the end of the year after 29 years with the bank
Mark Hardwick, the current CEO, will retire at the end of 2026 after 29 years with the bank. This is a planned retirement, not a sudden departure.
Added in current filing · view on EDGAR →
Mike Stewart, current First Merchants Bank President who has been with the bank for more than 18 years, will become President and CEO at the start of 2027
Mike Stewart, the current Bank President, will take over as President and CEO at the start of 2027. He has been with the bank for over 18 years, providing continuity.
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Figures/quotes linked to EDGAR · Narrative written by AI · Oct 2, 2026 · How we verify