Enterprise Financial Services Corp Provides Board of Directors Update
Enterprise Financial Services Corp (Nasdaq: EFSC) (the “Company”) has announced a series of changes to its Board of Directors (the “Board”) in a strategic move aimed at ensuring continued governance excellence and alignment with the Company’s long-term objectives. As part of these updates, four directors will not be standing for re-election at the upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”): Robert E. Guest, Jr., James M. Havel, Daniel A. Rodriguez, and Eloise E. Schmitz.
Commitment to Long-Term Corporate Governance
Mike DeCola, Chairperson of the Board, emphasized the Company’s ongoing commitment to proactive and strategic corporate governance. He stated, “The Board is dedicated to a long-term approach in governance planning that benefits both the Company and its stockholders. This transition is an essential part of aligning the Company’s strategic and operational priorities with its governance structure and best practices.”
DeCola also expressed gratitude for the outgoing directors, recognizing their years of service and invaluable contributions to the Company’s growth and success. “The directors concluding their tenure have played pivotal roles in our progress. We sincerely appreciate Bob, Jim, Dan, and Eloise for their dedication and commitment. Their diverse perspectives and expertise have significantly shaped our strategic direction. The Company is in a strong position today because of their leadership. We wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”
Contributions of Outgoing Directors
Robert E. Guest, Jr. (Bob)
Robert E. Guest, Jr., commonly known as Bob, has been a long-serving director of Enterprise Financial Services Corp since his appointment in 2002. He has also been a director on the Board of Directors for the Company’s subsidiary, Enterprise Bank & Trust (the “Bank Board”) since 2022. Over the years, Bob has held various key committee positions, showcasing his deep understanding of financial governance and risk management.
One of Bob’s most significant contributions has been his leadership of the Risk Committee. He has been a member of this committee since 2013 and assumed the role of Chair in 2019. Under his leadership, the Risk Committee played an instrumental role in guiding the Company through critical regulatory transitions, particularly as Enterprise Financial Services Corp crossed the $10 billion asset threshold. His strategic insights and risk management expertise have been crucial in maintaining the Company’s financial stability and regulatory compliance. His tenure has been marked by careful oversight of enterprise risk, ensuring the Company’s sustained growth in a complex financial environment.
James M. Havel (Jim)
Jim Havel has been an integral part of the Board since 2014 and has served on the Bank Board since 2022. A seasoned financial expert, Jim has provided valuable insights into financial analysis and corporate governance. His extensive background in accounting and finance has enabled him to contribute significantly to the Board’s decision-making processes.
Jim has actively participated in key committees, including the Audit and Risk Committees, and previously served on the Nominating & Governance Committee from 2017 through 2022. His analytical perspective has helped strengthen the Company’s financial oversight and risk mitigation strategies. Throughout his tenure, Jim has been instrumental in ensuring that financial reporting and internal controls adhere to the highest standards, fostering trust among investors and regulators alike.
Daniel A. Rodriguez (Dan)
Dan Rodriguez joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and has served on the Bank Board since 2016. With a background in operations and technology, Dan brought a unique perspective to the Board, ensuring the Company remained competitive in an increasingly digital financial landscape.
Dan’s contributions were particularly impactful in the Audit and Risk Committees. His expertise in operational efficiency and technological innovation helped Enterprise Financial Services Corp enhance its digital banking capabilities and streamline operations. As financial institutions increasingly integrate technology-driven solutions, Dan’s strategic insights have been invaluable in positioning the Company for long-term success.
Eloise E. Schmitz
Eloise Schmitz has served as a director of Enterprise Financial Services Corp since 2017 and has been involved with the Bank Board in two different periods—from 2015 to 2017 and again from 2022 to the present. With a robust financial background and significant experience in the financial services industry, Eloise has played a crucial role in strengthening the Company’s governance framework.
Eloise has been an active member of the Audit and Nominating & Governance Committees. Additionally, she previously served on the Risk Committee from 2017 through 2022, where she contributed her expertise in risk assessment and strategic financial planning. Her tenure on the Board has been marked by her strong advocacy for sound financial management, governance best practices, and operational efficiency. Her insights have helped steer Enterprise Financial Services Corp through a dynamic financial landscape, ensuring that the Company remains resilient and adaptive.A Strengthened Governance Framework
While Bob, Jim, Dan, and Eloise will conclude their roles as directors after the 2025 Annual Meeting, they will continue to serve until the meeting takes place. Their leadership has left a lasting impact on the Company, and their efforts have helped establish a foundation for sustained growth and success.
Enterprise Financial Services Corp remains committed to maintaining a strong and effective Board that supports its long-term strategy. The Company is expected to announce new Board members who will bring fresh perspectives and expertise to support its mission. This transition aligns with the Company’s commitment to strategic governance planning and operational excellence.
Enterprise Financial Services Corp is at a pivotal moment in its corporate governance journey. The transition of its Board members reflects the Company’s dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring that its governance structure evolves in line with its strategic objectives. The contributions of Bob, Jim, Dan, and Eloise will leave a lasting legacy, and their service will be remembered as a crucial part of the Company’s growth story.
As the Company prepares for the next chapter, it remains focused on its core mission of delivering value to stockholders, customers, and employees. With a strengthened governance approach and a vision for the future, Enterprise Financial Services Corp is well-positioned for continued success in the ever-evolving financial services industry.
Stockholders and stakeholders alike can expect further updates on the Board’s composition and strategic direction in the coming months as Enterprise Financial Services Corp continues its legacy of excellence in financial services and corporate governance.
