Columbia Banking System Announces CFO Transition

Rhea-AI Summary

Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB) announced a CFO transition effective December 31, 2025: Ronald Farnsworth will step down as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and will serve as an advisor through June 1, 2026 to support the handover.

Ivan Seda, currently Deputy Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Farnsworth as CFO on December 31, 2025. Seda joined Columbia in August 2025 and previously held senior finance roles including CFO at Union Bank, FP&A and corporate finance roles at MUFG, and Deputy CFO at BECU. The announcement follows the close of the Pacific Premier acquisition and the company also released Q3 2025 financial results with an investor conference call scheduled for today at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Positive

• CFO succession date set for December 31, 2025
• Advisory overlap through June 1, 2026 to support transition
• New CFO experience: Seda joined in August 2025 with prior CFO and deputy CFO roles

Negative

• Leadership change occurring during post-acquisition integration

Ronald Farnsworth, Executive Vice President, CFO, to Step Down

Ivan Seda, Deputy CFO, Appointed CFO, Effective December 31, 2025

TACOMA, Wash., Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Banking System, Inc. ("Columbia") (Nasdaq: COLB), the parent company of Columbia Bank, today announced that Ronald Farnsworth will step down as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective December 31, 2025. Farnsworth has served as Columbia's Chief Financial Officer since March 2023 and previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Umpqua Holdings Corporation and Umpqua Bank from 2008 until its merger with Columbia in 2023. Farnsworth will serve as an advisor to the Company through June 1, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition.

Ivan Seda, Columbia's Deputy Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Farnsworth as Chief Financial Officer, effective December 31, 2025. Prior to joining Columbia in August 2025, Seda held several financial executive roles, including as Chief Financial Officer at Union Bank and Head of Financial Planning & Analysis and Head of Corporate Finance and Strategy – Americas at MUFG. Most recently, Seda was Deputy Chief Financial Officer at BECU.

"Ron has played a key role in establishing Columbia as the leading Western banking franchise, optimizing our performance and better positioning the business to meaningfully expand long-term shareholder value. We are grateful to Ron for his many contributions to the Company and wish him the very best in his future endeavors," said Clint Stein, CEO of Columbia.

"As we enter a new chapter for Columbia following the close of our Pacific Premier acquisition, we look forward to working with Ivan in his new role as CFO beginning next year," Stein continued. "Early in his tenure at Columbia, he has already made meaningful contributions to our team, and we are confident he will help us build on our momentum. On behalf of the Board and management team, we congratulate Ivan on his new role."

Farnsworth said, "It has been a privilege to help lead Columbia during a transformative period of integration and optimization. I am confident that Ivan is well-positioned to step into the CFO role as the Company continues to deliver robust profitability and shareholder value creation. I look forward to working with Clint, Ivan and the rest of the team over the coming months to support a seamless transition."

Seda stated, "It's an honor to assume the role of CFO at such an exciting time in our company's history. Today, Columbia is a highly profitable regional powerhouse with a strong financial foundation, and I look forward to partnering with the entire Columbia team to build on our success by driving organic growth and delivering attractive shareholder returns."

Seda holds both a Master's in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and former Certified Public Accountant (CPA-Inactive). Seda is actively involved in the local community and currently serves as a board member for Seattle Aquarium.

Q3 2025 Financial Results

In a separate press release issued today, Columbia announced its financial results for the third quarter 2025. The Company will host a conference call with investors and analysts today at 5:00 p.m. ET to review its financial results.

About Columbia Banking System, Inc.
Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB) is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington and is the parent company of Columbia Bank, an award-winning western U.S. regional bank. Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Learn more at www.columbiabankingsystem.com.

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SOURCE Columbia Banking System, Inc.

FAQ

When will Ronald Farnsworth step down as Columbia CFO (COLB)?

Ronald Farnsworth will step down as CFO effective December 31, 2025.

Who will become Columbia's CFO and when will Ivan Seda assume the role (COLB)?

Ivan Seda will succeed as Columbia CFO effective December 31, 2025.

How long will Farnsworth remain involved after stepping down from Columbia (COLB)?

Farnsworth will serve as an advisor to Columbia through June 1, 2026.

What is Ivan Seda's background before becoming Columbia CFO (COLB)?

Seda joined Columbia in August 2025 and previously served as CFO at Union Bank, held FP&A and corporate finance roles at MUFG, and was Deputy CFO at BECU.

Does the Columbia CFO transition relate to the Pacific Premier acquisition (COLB)?

Management referenced the transition happening as Columbia enters a new chapter following the close of the Pacific Premier acquisition.

When will Columbia discuss its Q3 2025 results and is there a call today (COLB)?

Columbia released Q3 2025 results and will host a conference call with investors and analysts today at 5:00 p.m. ET.