First Financial Bancorp Appoints New President; Raises NEO Pay

What Happened
First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) filed an 8-K reporting that, effective September 14, 2026, the Board appointed James M. Anderson (age 55) as President of the company and First Financial Bank. Archie M. Brown will remain Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Anderson will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer but will no longer be Chief Operating Officer. The move is described as part of the company’s ongoing long-term succession planning.

Key Details

• Appointment effective: September 14, 2026.
• James M. Anderson retains CFO role; steps down as COO. He has served as CFO and COO since April 1, 2018 and previously was CFO of MainSource.
• Base salary changes approved by the Compensation Committee, effective September 14, 2026:
  • James M. Anderson: $610,000 → $640,000 (4.9% increase; +$30,000)
  • Karen B. Woods: $475,000 → $500,000 (5.3% increase; +$25,000)
  • Amanda N. Neeley: $475,000 → $500,000 (5.3% increase; +$25,000)
• The filing also includes related employment, severance/change-in-control, and restricted stock award forms and a press release as exhibits.

Why It Matters
This is a leadership and succession update that keeps financial leadership continuity intact (Anderson remains CFO) while elevating him to President, which may signal a planned multi-year leadership transition. The approved salary increases are modest in dollar terms but relevant to compensation expense and governance disclosures for named executive officers. Investors should note the company has formalized related employment and severance agreements (filed as exhibits), which can affect retention and potential change-in-control outcomes.