Columbus, OH (April 9, 2026): Northwest Bank, one of the top 100 U.S. banks by total
assets, announced plans for a fourth Columbus area financial center. The newest
location will be at 2006 N. High Street, directly adjacent to The Ohio State University
campus—an expansion that reinforces the bank’s continued commitment to growth in
central Ohio. Three other locations are already under development in New Albany,
Gahanna, and Westerville. All four Columbus financial centers are set to open by the
end of 2026.
“When selecting our Columbus area locations, we evaluated high traffic corridors,
demographic trends, and proximity to residential and retail hubs,” said Urich Bowers,
chief consumer banking and strategy officer. “Adding a location on High Street allows us
to meet customers where they live, work, and study.”
Northwest Bank sees the OSU community as an important element of its Columbus
growth plans, reaching customers early in their financial journey as they are building
independence. Additionally, the campus-focused financial center will be an opportunity
to trial a smaller footprint, without traditional teller stations and more open space.
“Ohio State students are at a pivotal stage in their financial lives—often opening their
first accounts, building credit, and forming lifelong banking habits,” said Bowers. “We
want to build a long-term relationship becoming a trusted partner early on, by offering a
welcoming environment, modern digital tools, and personalized guidance as they
navigate major financial milestones.”
The new financial center will incorporate a modern, hospitality focused design and
include a private meeting space and a universal banking model offering advanced self-
service options, with onsite personal advice and guidance available from personal
bankers.
Job creation and regional growth
Northwest is growing its organization to support the new financial centers and its
broader expansion and transformation strategy. In the Columbus market alone, the new
financial centers are expected to add 30 – 40 full-time jobs.
Beyond these openings, Northwest has created nearly 90 new roles across its four-state
footprint since 2025—including 25 positions in Columbus. Many of the Columbus roles
are new senior leadership positions designed to drive growth and transformation.
Recent additions include:
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Executive Director of Customer Experience, Design, and Innovation
- Head of Corporate Development and Strategy, and Investor Relations
- Head of External Communications
- Head of Digital and Marketing Channels
- Managing Director of Wealth Management
- Executive Director of Consumer and Marketing Analytics
“We’re attracting exceptional talent and expanding our leadership capabilities to support
the transformation and expansion underway,” said Lou Torchio, president and CEO of
Northwest Bank. “These new positions strengthen our ability to innovate, serve
customers more effectively, and build a stronger, more resilient organization for the
future.”
Dates and information for grand openings and other community events for all four
locations will be shared once available.
About Northwest Bank
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding
company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service
financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products,
as well as employee benefits and wealth management services.
Currently, Northwest operates 151 full-service financial centers and 10 drive-up
locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana and provides customers
with fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.'s common
stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NWBI").
Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Bank can
be accessed online at www.northwest.bank/columbus.
Media Contact:
Vicki Zeal
External Communications Lead, Northwest Bank
(814) 217-8998
media@northwest.com