CEO of Northwest Bancshares in Ohio dies

The president and CEO of Northwest Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, has died. 

The $14.4 billion-asset company said in a press release Wednesday that Ronald Seiffert, 65, died unexpectedly of natural causes. He was also the company’s chairman. 

Northwest said that William Harvey Jr., its chief financial officer, was named interim president and CEO. Timothy Fannin, the company’s lead director, was named interim chairman. 

“Bank employees have been informed of the news and Northwest representatives are sharing the news with business and community organizations,” the release said.

“Ron was a friend to everyone at Northwest and the communities that we call home,” Fannin said in the release. 

“We mourn for his family and wish them peace during this most difficult time,” Fannin added. “Ron was passionate about Northwest and committed to making a difference.” 

Seiffert joined Northwest in November 2017 as president and chief operating officer. He became the company’s CEO in June 2018. Before joining Northwest, Seiffert was chairman, president and CEO of Delaware County Bank & Trust in Lewis Center, Ohio.