AMERANT BANK APPOINTS TONY EELMAN AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER
Rhea-AI Summary
Amerant Bank (AMTB) named Tony Eelman EVP and Chief Product Officer on February 17, 2026. Eelman will lead enterprise product strategy across consumer, commercial, and program-based lending platforms, focusing on product alignment, technology leverage, and go-to-market execution to create a cohesive customer experience.
He previously served as President of Amerant Mortgage and held senior roles at City National Bank of Florida and FBC Mortgage.
Positive
- Experienced product leader: Tony Eelman promoted to EVP, Chief Product Officer
- Internal continuity: Promoted from President of Amerant Mortgage retaining institutional knowledge
- Focus on technology and alignment: Mandate to modernize products and align go-to-market strategy
Negative
- Execution risk: Integration of product, technology, and go-to-market strategy may take time
- No quantified targets: Announcement lacks specific timelines or measurable goals for product initiatives
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Moves in regional bank peers appear modest and mixed, with names like CFFN up 1.46%, CTBI up 0.06%, NBN up 0.22%, and SBSI down 0.12%, suggesting this leadership news is primarily company-specific.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-22 | Dividend & buyback | Positive | -4.3% | Announced cash dividend and new $40M share repurchase authorization. |
| 2026-01-22 | Earnings results | Positive | -4.3% | Reported 4Q25 and FY2025 results with return to annual profitability. |
| 2026-01-06 | Earnings call date | Neutral | -1.1% | Scheduled release and conference call for 4Q25 results. |
| 2026-01-05 | Branch expansion | Positive | +4.1% | Opened new Bay Harbor banking center as part of FL expansion. |
| 2025-11-06 | Leadership change | Negative | -4.2% | CEO stepped down; interim CEO and new board chair appointed. |
Recent history shows mixed reactions: expansion news drew a gain, while shareholder-friendly and earnings updates saw declines, indicating occasional selloffs on ostensibly positive developments.
Over the past several months, Amerant announced a new South Florida banking center, a CEO transition, quarterly and full-year 2025 results, and a dividend plus a $40 million repurchase authorization. The new EVP & Chief Product Officer role fits into this broader strategic and leadership reshaping under interim CEO Carlos Iafigliola. The bank has balanced growth initiatives, capital return actions, and management changes, with market reactions alternating between gains and pullbacks.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights Amerant Bank’s focus on product strategy and technology by elevating a former Amerant Mortgage president to EVP & Chief Product Officer. It follows recent leadership changes, branch expansion, and capital return actions, suggesting an ongoing reshaping of the bank’s franchise. Investors may watch how this role integrates consumer and commercial offerings, supports program-based lending platforms, and aligns with the board’s ongoing search for a permanent CEO.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Coral Gables, FL, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amerant Bank, Florida’s bank of choice with a growing presence across South Florida, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Eelman as EVP, Chief Product Officer. A senior financial services and mortgage-banking executive will now lead enterprise product strategy across the bank’s financial services and program-based lending platforms.
In his new role, Eelman will focus on aligning product design, leveraging on technology, and progressing our go-to-market strategy to deliver differentiated, client-centric solutions across Amerant’s consumer and commercial offerings.
“Tony is a leader with a clear vision for how our products work together to serve our customers seamlessly,” said Carlos Iafigliola, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Amerant Bank. “His ability to lead teams, leverage our technology, and create alignment with our business strategy will be essential as we build a more cohesive, consistent experience for every customer who banks with Amerant.”
Eelman previously served as President of Amerant Mortgage, the Bank’s wholly owned mortgage subsidiary. In that role, he led the mortgage platform through periods of transformation and growth, overseeing origination, credit, compliance, technology modernization, and strategic initiatives designed to support the broader business strategies of Amerant. Prior to his roles at Amerant, Eelman held senior leadership positions including Managing Senior Vice President at City National Bank of Florida and Chief Operating Officer at FBC Mortgage.
“Amerant has a strong foundation and a clear opportunity to further differentiate through thoughtful, well-designed products that truly serve clients,” said Tony Eelman, Chief Product Officer at Amerant Bank. “I’m excited for this new chapter at Amerant; to bring my experience building and scaling program-based lending platforms to help align strategy, technology, and execution in a way that supports sustainable growth and long-term value for the bank and its customers.”
Eelman has led successful initiatives spanning enterprise expansion, M&A integration, strategic partnerships, product modernization, and organizational restructuring. He holds an Applied Science degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and serves on the RIT College of Performing Arts Advisory Board.
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About Amerant Bank
Amerant Bank, N.A., is Florida’s bank of choice and the main subsidiary of Amerant Bancorp Inc. (NYSE: AMTB). With a presence across South Florida and Tampa, FL, the bank has been serving clients for over 45 years, including subsidiary Amerant Investments. Rooted in the communities it serves, Amerant supports numerous non-profit and community organizations. In 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 the Company was certified as a Most Loved Workplace® by Best Practice Institute. For news and updates, visit the Amerant Newsroom.
Attachment
Alexis Dominguez Amerant Bank 3054418412 adominguez1@amerantbank.com
FAQ
Who is Tony Eelman and what role did Amerant Bank (AMTB) assign him on February 17, 2026?
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Will Tony Eelman's promotion to EVP, Chief Product Officer at Amerant Bank (AMTB) change leadership at Amerant Mortgage?
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