First County Bank Selects Nitin Mhatre as CEO
January 2026: The Board of Directors of First County Bank (FCB) announced that Nitin Mhatre would succeed Robert Granata as Chief Executive Officer.
In recognition of the need for continued growth and improved operating efficiency and profitability to remain relevant to the future needs of its customers, the Board of Directors of FCB selected S&W to assist in identifying a visionary and community-minded chief executive to lead the bank through its next chapter. Following an exhaustive executive search, the Board selected banking industry veteran Nitin Mhatre as its next CEO.
Mhatre spent his early career with Citigroup/Citibank across a diverse range of geographies and products. He spent 12 years with Connecticut-based Webster Bank as Executive Vice President-Community Banking, a role in which he led the regional bank’s consumer and small business activities, consisting of over 1,500 banking professionals. From 2021 until its merger with Brookline Bancorp, Mhatre served as President & CEO of $12B Berkshire Hills Bancorop (NYSE: BHLB), leading the organizations significant turnaround in earnings, employee engagement, client net promoter score, and shareholder returns.
The First County Bank CEO engagement was managed by Julia Crouter, Consultant, and Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner.
About First County Bank
First County Bank is a 175-year-old, independent, mutual community bank with approximately $2.2B in total bank assets. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the bank has been a reliable financial partner to consumers and businesses in Fairfield County and beyond for generations. In an industry and geography that has seen tremendous consolidation, FCB’s steadfast resolve to maintain its mutual ownership structure and local decision-making has positioned the bank as a trusted financial partner for years to come. In addition to traditional business and consumer banking products and services delivered through its 13 retail locations and suite of online and mobile tools, FCB supports the investment, trust, and wealth management needs of its customers through First County Advisors. The bank’s charitable foundation, First County Foundation, Inc., has supported area nonprofits through over $10MM in charitable giving since 2001.
About Smith & Wilkinson
For over 25 years, Smith & Wilkinson has been a trusted executive search and talent advisory partner. Our Financial Services team serves banks, credit unions, service providers, associations, nonbank lenders, financial technology companies, community and economic development organizations, and government-sponsored enterprises in attracting, promoting, and retaining senior leaders who drive long-term business success.
Our financial services executive search work includes Board, C-suite, and Director level engagements across executive leadership, strategy, risk, finance, operations, lending, technology, and wealth management, and more. With industry-leading market insight and a consultative approach, we provide both clients and candidates with exceptional visibility into today’s evolving talent landscape.
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