Milwaukee market president and business banking president
Old National Bank | Milwaukee
Kevin Anderson is Milwaukee market president and business banking president for Old National Bank, with responsibility for all commercial business banking group activities across Old National’s seven-state footprint. He was previously Wisconsin region CEO and Milwaukee region president for Old National. Prior to coming to Milwaukee, Anderson was a senior vice president for corporate banking in the Louisville, Kentucky, area. He serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee Development Corp., and is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Kentucky
What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Expansion of educational opportunities for Wisconsin’s disadvantaged children and citizens.”
Favorite movie: “One of my favorites is a classic from the 1950s, ‘Twelve Angry Men,’ starring Henry Fonda. The film reinforces the message of questioning our bias and asking tough questions when the stakes are the highest.”
Thing to learn this year: “I’ve decided to better understand the future impact and application of AI within the financial services industry. I believe it will have a profound impact in the very near future.”
Favorite Wisconsin destination: “That’s an easy question: hiking and sightseeing along the Ice Age Trails. What a gift for the people of Wisconsin.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Banking and Finance
Market president
Old National Bank | Milwaukee
In 2019, Kevin Anderson was promoted to chief executive officer of the Wisconsin region for Evansville, Indiana-based Old National Bank. Earlier this year, he was named market president, assuming leadership for all commercial business banking group activities across the bank’s six-state footprint. Anderson has served on the MMAC’s board of directors since 2016 and sits on the boards of United Performing Arts Fund and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Kentucky
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Accounting department assistant. My takeaways from that first job were accountability and dependability. Learning to always be trustworthy and no task is too small not to do your very best.”
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“Always be willing to take calculated risk. Nothing significant can ever be achieved without the willingness to take some risk.”
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
“‘David & Goliath’ by Malcolm Gladwell. This is a wonderful book that provides examples and reminds us that perceived disadvantages are not what they appear to be. A great reminder for all of us in life.”
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“Five O’Clock Steakhouse, the classic Milwaukee supper club experience. You can’t beat the Surf & Turf special – best in Wisconsin.”
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“Navigating the financial crisis of 2008. The challenges were numerous, yet none greater than coming alongside clients and their leadership teams to make some difficult decisions about the future of their firms. For easily a period of 18 months we were working with companies to preserve jobs and financial flexibility so that growth could still be possible.”
What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Strive to become a subject matter expert in a field you have strong interest in and wish to make your life’s work. Expertise in any meaningful field can be invaluable as you build out your career.”
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
“Old National Bank’s merger with Chicago-based First Midwest Bank has been transformative. It brings our company directly into one of the largest U.S. Midwest markets and nearly doubles our asset size and banking center reach. Additionally, it has allowed our Milwaukee-based team to merge with the legacy Park Bank franchise, with its stellar reputation for client service and growth.”
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“Not certain this would be a change or simply an improvement. Ensuring that every child in our great state has the opportunity for an outstanding primary education experience. We have the resources and educator talent to accomplish this goal. This one improvement would have a positive impact on Wisconsin’s economy and growth for generations to come.”
