# Mark Hardwick

> Mark K. Hardwick is CEO of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank, having joined as corporate controller in 1997 and become CEO in 2021. A Ball State accounting and MBA graduate and former college basketball player, he also serves as a university trustee and participates in Muncie civic organizations. He plans to retire at the end of 2026, with Mike Stewart succeeding him in January 2027.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank
- **Organizations:** First Merchants Corporation, First Merchants Bank, Ball State University Board of Trustees, Next Muncie, George and Frances Ball Foundation, BKD, LLP (former employer)
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Ball State University, Master of Business Administration, Ball State University, Graduate, Stonier School of Banking
- **Known for:** Indianapolis Business Journal CFO of the Year, 2012., Member of the Ball State 1989–90 basketball team inducted into the university Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012., Promoted from controller through CFO and COO to CEO within First Merchants.

## Career timeline

- **1989–1990** — Member of Ball State’s Sweet 16 basketball team; a redshirt freshman during the 1990 tournament.
- **Before 1997** — Senior accountant at BKD, LLP in Indianapolis.
- **1997-11** — Joined First Merchants as corporate controller.
- **2002-04** — Promoted to chief financial officer.
- **2007-06** — Added operations, technology and risk management responsibilities.
- **2016** — Added chief operating officer title.
- **2020** — Joined Ball State Board of Trustees.
- **2021-01-01** — Became CEO of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank.
- **2021-02** — Elected to First Merchants Corporation and Bank boards.
- **2023-04** — Moved to Carmel.
- **2024-05** — Election to George and Frances Ball Foundation board announced.
- **2026-10-01** — Announced retirement at year-end 2026; Mike Stewart to succeed him January 1, 2027.

## Achievements

- Indianapolis Business Journal CFO of the Year, 2012.
- Member of the Ball State 1989–90 basketball team inducted into the university Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
- Promoted from controller through CFO and COO to CEO within First Merchants.
- Chairs the Audit and Compliance Committee of Ball State’s Board of Trustees.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Retirement at year-end announced October 1; Mike Stewart is scheduled to become president and CEO January 1, 2027.
- **2026-10** — Delivered farewell remarks on his final earnings call on October 22.
- **2026-06** — First Merchants and NCRC announced a $2.02 billion community benefits agreement for 2026–2030.

## Links

- Website: https://ir.firstmerchants.com/management/mark-hardwick
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hardwick-16505819

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/mark-hardwick
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23