Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/338735
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J u l y 2 0 14 • I nsIgh t | 17 In 2010 when I fIrst arrIved, associated Bank had just survived the largest scare in its history: e realization that at the end of 2009 it was facing daunting losses that threatened its survival. Under Phil flynn's leadership, and with the hard work of many colleagues, that survival was secured. But what remained to be done was to chart a course forward. at the surface, we had to reinvigorate the growth engine. we started new lines of business such as oil and gas and power and utilities lending. we strengthened the talent base. at a more profound level, we had to bring associated together to become truly one organization. associated is the result of a string of mergers and acquisitions. In this rapid growth era, the formation of a single culture that can carry an organization through tough times had fallen short. we also had to strengthen the processes that make a bank function, from introducing more advanced strategic and financial planning, talent management, investment into our infrastructure such as systems, or the very visible changes to our footprint, the way our branches look and feel. today we feel very comfortable that associated has become a strong and sustainable organization. Oliver Buechse on strategic vision for new north U P F R O N T face time P H O T O G R A P H B Y B i l l K A P i N s K i / i M A G E s T U D i O s , F O R i N s i G H T A native of Germany, Oliver Buechse joined Associated Bank as the chief strategy officer in 2010, aer spending 10 years in California, where he worked with current Associated CEO Phil Flynn. e skills he used to help reinvent Associated Bank are now being shared with the New North. He sat down with Insight Editor Margaret LeBrun to talk about strategy for the bank – and the region. [continued ] »