MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., January 18, 2023 – Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (“Horizon”) (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) and Horizon Bank announced that Thomas M. Prame will be appointed the Chief Executive Officer of both organizations effective June 1, 2023. Craig M. Dwight, will retain the title of Chief Executive Officer until June 1st and retire as an employee from Horizon and Horizon Bank effective July 3, 2023. Mr. Dwight will remain the Chairman of the Board of both organizations. Prame will continue in his role as President of both organizations.
Mr. Dwight has served Horizon as its Chief Executive Officer since 2001 and Chairman since 2013. Prior to that, he was the President and Chief Administrative Officer of Horizon and the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Horizon Bank commencing in 1998. Mr. Dwight has also served on the Board of Directors of Horizon and Horizon Bank since 1998 and will continue to serve as Chairman of both organizations.
Since Mr. Prame joined Horizon in August 2022, he has established himself as a forward-thinking leader and has been immersed in furthering the Company's strategic direction and operational success. His leadership experience at larger metropolitan banks in implementing strategic plans and significantly increasing operational efficiency and sales productivity has already played a key role in advancing Horizon’s operating model. Prame is also deeply engaged in the expansion of Horizon’s technology-enabled business model and growth of the lending platforms that are focused on creating long-lasting customer relationships.
“The Board is extremely grateful for the dedication and leadership Craig has provided Horizon over the last several decades,” said Michele M. Magnuson, Horizon’s Lead Director. “During his tenure as Chairman and CEO of Horizon and Horizon Bank, the Company grew from approximately $400 million in total assets to $7.7 billion. Craig successfully guided Horizon through remarkable growth, as well as periods of economic turmoil, including the great recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Craig’s leadership extends beyond the success of Horizon, and he has also made significant tangible impacts through his involvement in the state and local communities that Horizon calls home. Craig has also positively impacted many external organizations in our markets, and he has been the key driver of Horizon’s people first culture focused on exceptional service and sensible advice. We sincerely thank him for his substantial contributions to the Company and look forward to his continued service on our Board of Directors and as our Chairman.”
Ms. Magnuson further stated, “The Board has been extremely impressed with Thomas Prame who has quickly and seamlessly integrated with Horizon’s leadership and has shown an unwavering focus on our customers, advisors, local communities, shareholders and other stakeholders. We believe his strategic leadership experience and deep understanding of our local markets will ensure Horizon’s continued success in expanding our client base in Indiana, Michigan, and throughout the Midwest.”
Craig M. Dwight, Chairman and CEO added, “I congratulate Thomas on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work closely with him during the transition. Since he joined Horizon last August, he has played a significant role in advancing many of the operational and strategic initiatives at Horizon. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to lead Horizon and Horizon Bank over these past twenty-five years and to be associated with such an outstanding team. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have led this organization and all the support that I have received throughout my tenure. It has been an amazing journey and I am very proud of the significant growth and success that our team has achieved over the years. Given Horizon’s current diverse and exceptional talent, I am excited about the future of the Company and the incredible energy from our team that will continue to propel the Company to the next level of performance and growth.”
Thomas M. Prame added, “I am extremely grateful and humbled to be selected to lead this amazing organization, to advance and enhance the Company’s strategies and to continue the significant growth trajectory while providing banking solutions for the people and businesses in the communities we serve. I thank Craig for his remarkable leadership and mentorship during my time thus far at Horizon, and I look forward to working closely with him during the transition period.”