Webster (WBS) outlines post-close leadership as Banco Santander acquisition advances
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Webster Financial Corporation announced business-line leadership appointments tied to the proposed acquisition by Banco Santander, S.A., with roles effective once the transaction closes. The communication describes how Webster’s businesses will align to Santander’s U.S. global structure, names leaders for Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Healthcare Financial Services, Digital Banking, Auto Finance, CIB and Private Banking, and references support-function appointments to follow in the coming weeks.
The notice emphasizes integration planning, points employees to internal inquiry channels, and reiterates standard forward-looking statements and proxy/registration filing guidance including a reference to the Form F-4 registration and joint proxy statement/prospectus.
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Insights
Structured leadership choices aim to accelerate post-close integration.
The announcement assigns clear heads for major business lines—Commercial Banking, Retail, Healthcare Financial Services, Digital Banking and others—establishing reporting lines into Santander’s U.S. global structure. This alignment reduces initial organizational ambiguity and supports integration planning.
Risks remain tied to execution: timing is contingent on the Transaction closing and broader integration milestones. Subsequent communications about support functions will be important to assess retention and operating continuity.
Employee-facing messaging focuses on continuity and internal inquiry paths.
The communication targets employees, highlights named leaders (e.g., Chris Motl for Commercial Banking; Jason Mock for Retail), and directs questions to IntegrationNews@websterbank.com and Workday HR channels. This indicates a controlled internal rollout to manage change.
Follow-up disclosures (support roles, formal org charts in SEC filing exhibits) will clarify reporting and potential redundancies; timing depends on closing conditions referenced in the notice.
Key Figures
Key Terms
Form F-4 regulatory
forward-looking statements regulatory
Filed by Webster Financial Corporation
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933
and deemed to be filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: Webster Financial Corporation
Commission File No.: 001-31486
Date: April 6, 2026
The following communication was made by Webster Financial Corporation (“Webster”) on April 6, 2026 in connection with the proposed acquisition of Webster by Banco Santander, S.A.
Communication to All Employees
The following announcement was distributed to all employees of Webster.
Business Line Leadership Appointments
Today, we’re taking an important step forward in our integration by announcing our business line leadership appointments, effective once the transaction closes. Leadership appointments for support functions will be shared once decisions are finalized in the coming weeks.
Alongside these appointments, we are also sharing how our combined businesses will align to Santander’s global structure at LD1 and beyond. This alignment positions us to capture the full strategic value of the combination, while maintaining clarity and consistency in how we operate and serve our clients.
Global Business Structure
Following transaction close, Webster’s lines of business will integrate into Santander’s global business structure in the U.S. Santander Group operates through the following global businesses:
| • | Retail & Commercial Banking |
| • | Openbank |
| • | Corporate & Investment Banking |
| • | Wealth Management & Insurance |
| • | Payments |
All Webster businesses will align to Santander’s Retail & Commercial global segment. A description of each global segment is outlined below.
Retail & Commercial Banking
This segment will include combined branch-based retail banking and commercial banking businesses, creating a more unified and scaled platform to serve clients across the U.S. It will also include Webster’s Healthcare Financial Services business, bringing all of Webster’s core business lines into Santander’s single global segment. More detailed information on Santander’s Retail & Commercial Banking segment can be found here (https://www.santander.com/en/about-us/our-model/retail-commercial-banking). Note: Santander Retail Banking is currently referred to as Consumer Banking at Webster.
Openbank
Openbank will include both the Mobility Finance (Auto) business and Digital Banking, focused on scalable, digital-first capabilities and innovation. Here (https://www.santander.com/en/about-us/our-model/openbank) is more detailed information on Openbank.
Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB)
CIB provides global support for corporate, financial sponsors and institutional clients, delivering tailored services and value-added products suited to their complexity and sophistication. Here (https://www.santander.com/en/about-us/our-model/santander-corporate-investment-banking) is more detailed information on this segment.
There will be no changes to the current structure.
Wealth Management & Insurance
Wealth Management & Insurance is the global Santander Group division that integrates the businesses of Santander Private Banking, Santander Asset Management and Santander Insurance businesses. Here (https://www.santander.com/en/about-us/our-model/wealth-management-insurance) is more detailed information on this segment.
There will be no changes to the current structure.
Payments
Payment Solutions is a one-of-a-kind paytech business providing clients with a one-stop shop for innovative payments and integrated solutions. This global business does not have a presence in the U.S., but you can read more here (https://www.santander.com/en/about-us/our-model/payment-solutions).
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Our Joint Business Leadership
Upon completion of the transaction, the following leaders will head our business lines:
| Global Segment |
Business Line | |||
| Retail & Commercial |
Commercial Banking | Chris Motl, currently Webster’s Head of Commercial Banking, will lead our newly combined Commercial Banking businesses. | ||
| Retail Banking | Jason Mock, currently Santander’s Head of Retail Distribution, will be appointed Head of Retail Banking.
Jason will be supported by James Griffin, Webster’s Head of Consumer Banking, as Head of National Retail Distribution and Consumer Lending, responsible for our joint network of more than 500 branches across the Northeast. In addition, James will continue to drive the growth of interSYNC. | |||
| Healthcare Financial Services | Chad Wilkins, Webster’s current Head of HSA Bank, will be appointed Head of Healthcare Financial Services.
Ametros will continue to be led by its President, Andrea Mills, and will report to Chad Wilkins. | |||
| Openbank | Digital Banking | Drew Burchard will be appointed Head of Digital Banking, encompassing the Openbank High Yield Savings proposition currently in market and future digital offerings expected in 2027 and beyond. | ||
| Mobility (Auto) Finance | Will continue to be led by David McClelland, Santander’s current U.S. Head of Auto Finance. | |||
| Corporate & Investment Banking | Will continue to be led by David Hermer, Santander’s current U.S. Head of Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB). | |||
| Wealth Management & Insurance | Private Banking | Will continue to be led by Luis Bermudez, Santander’s current U.S. Head of Private Banking / Banco Santander International (BSI). | ||
These business leadership appointments mark the next step as we continue the work toward becoming one organization. The combination of Santander and Webster represents a unique opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive franchise in the U.S., and we are already laying the groundwork to realize that potential.
As noted above, leadership appointments for support functions will be shared once decisions are finalized in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our clients, one another, and the high standards that define our organization.
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If you have questions, please reach out to your manager or submit inquiries through IntegrationNews@websterbank.com. Colleagues can also submit HR-specific questions through Workday case management using Santander HR Questions as the case type.
NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). No investment activity should be undertaken on the basis of the information contained in this communication. By making this communication available, no advice or recommendation is being given to buy, sell or otherwise deal in any securities or investments whatsoever.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This communication contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “achieve,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “could,” “deliver,” “drive,” “enhance,” “estimate,” “expect,” “focus,” “future,” “goal,” “grow,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “trajectory,” “trend,” “will,” “would,” and other similar words and expressions or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about business strategy, goals and objectives, projected financial and operating results, including outlook for future growth, and future share dividends, share repurchases and other uses of capital. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent our beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements.
Webster Financial Corporation’s (“Webster”) and Banco Santander, S.A.’s (“Banco Santander”) actual results, financial condition and achievements may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause Webster’s and Banco Santander’s actual results, financial condition and achievements to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include, in addition to those set forth in Webster’s and Banco Santander’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): (1) the risk that the cost savings, synergies and other benefits from the acquisition of Webster by Banco Santander (the “Transaction”) may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and
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regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Webster and Banco Santander operate; (2) the failure of the closing conditions in the Transaction agreement by and among Webster, Banco Santander and a wholly owned subsidiary of Webster providing for the Transaction to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing the Transaction or the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could delay the Transaction or could give rise to the termination of the Transaction agreement; (3) the outcome of any legal or regulatory proceedings or governmental inquiries or investigations that may be currently pending or later instituted against Webster, Banco Santander or the combined company; (4) the possibility that the Transaction does not close when expected or at all because required regulatory, stockholder or other approvals and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed Transaction); (5) disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the Transaction; (6) the costs associated with the anticipated length of time of the pendency of the Transaction, including the restrictions contained in the definitive Transaction agreement on the ability of Webster to operate its business outside the ordinary course during the pendency of the Transaction; (7) risks related to management and oversight of the expanded business and operations of the combined company following the closing of the proposed Transaction; (8) the risk that the integration of Webster’s operations with Banco Santander’s will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected or that the parties are otherwise unable to successfully integrate each party’s businesses into the other’s businesses; (9) the possibility that the Transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (10) reputational risk and potential adverse reactions of Webster’s or Banco Santander’s customers, employees, vendors, contractors or other business partners, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; (11) the dilution caused by Banco Santander’s issuance of additional ordinary shares and corresponding American depositary shares, each representing the right to receive one of its ordinary shares (“ADSs”) in connection with the Transaction; (12) the possibility that any announcements relating to the Transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of Webster’s common stock and Banco Santander’s ordinary shares and ADSs; (13) a material adverse change in the condition of Webster or Banco Santander; (14) the extent to which Webster’s or Banco Santander’s businesses perform consistent with management’s expectations; (15) Webster’s and Banco Santander’s ability to take advantage of growth opportunities and implement targeted initiatives in the timeframe and on the terms currently expected; (16) the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; (17) the execution and efficacy of recent strategic investments; (18) the impact of macroeconomic factors, such as changes in general economic conditions and monetary and fiscal policy, particularly on interest rates; (19) changes in customer behavior; (20) unfavorable developments concerning credit quality; (21) declines in the businesses or industries of Webster’s or Banco Santander’s customers; (22) the possibility that the combined company is subject to additional regulatory requirements as a result of the proposed Transaction of expansion of the combined company’s business operations following the proposed Transaction; (23) general competitive, political and market conditions and other factors that may affect future returns of Webster and Banco Santander including changes in asset quality and credit risk; (24) security risks, including cybersecurity and data privacy risks, and capital markets; (25) inflation; (26) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (27) capital management activities; (28) competitive
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product and pricing pressures; (29) the outcomes of legal and regulatory proceedings and related financial services industry matters; and (30) compliance with regulatory requirements. Any forward-looking statement made in this communication is based solely on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made.
Webster and Banco Santander undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. These and other important factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in Webster’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at: https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000801337/000080133725000004/wbs-20241231.htm) and in Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at: https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000891478/000089147825000054/san-20241231.htm), as well as Webster’s and Banco Santander’s subsequent filings with the SEC, may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Webster and Banco Santander disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-4 AND THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-4 WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-4 AND THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING WEBSTER, BANCO SANTANDER, THE TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents and other documents filed with the SEC by Webster or Banco Santander through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov or by contacting the investor relations department of Webster and Banco Santander at:
| Webster Financial Corporation | Banco Santander, S.A. | |||||
| 200 Elm Street | Ciudad Grupo Santander | |||||
| Stamford, Connecticut 06902 Attention: Investor Relations eharmon@websterbank.com |
28660 Boadilla del Monte Spain investor@gruposantander.com |
|||||
| (212) 309-7646 | +34 912899239 |
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PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
Webster, Banco Santander and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Webster in connection with the Transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Webster and Banco Santander is set forth in (i) Webster’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including under the headings entitled “Director Nominees”, “Director Independence”, “Non-Employee Director Compensation and Stock Ownership Guidelines”, “Compensation and Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”, “Executive Compensation”, “2024 Pay Versus Performance” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”, which was filed with the SEC on April 11, 2025 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000801337/000080133725000015/wbs-20250411.htm, and (ii) Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ending December 31, 2024, including under the headings entitled “Directors and Senior Management”, “Compensation”, “Share Ownership” and “Majority Shareholders and Related Party Transactions”, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000891478/000089147825000054/san-20241231.htm. To the extent holdings of each of Webster’s or Banco Santander’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in Webster’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and in Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ending December 31, 2024, such changes have been or will be reflected on Webster’s Statements of Change of Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC and on Banco Santander’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ending December 31, 2025.
Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus of Webster and Banco Santander and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov.
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