Equity Bancshares, Inc. Announces Promotion of Chris Navratil to Chief Financial Officer and Departure of Eric Newell

Wichita-based holding company elevates current Bank CFO to principal accounting and financial officer

WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Equity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: EQBK), (“Equity”, “we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company”), the Wichita-based holding company of Equity Bank (the “Bank”), announced the promotion of Chris M. Navratil to Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of Equity Bancshares, Inc., and announced Eric R. Newell’s decision to resign from his position as Chief Financial Officer.

“Our Company considers entrepreneurial spirit one of our founding principles and core values,” said Brad S. Elliott, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Equity. “As a result, we’re a home to innovative thinkers, leaders, and doers who can make an impact quickly and leave lasting results. We pride ourselves on recruiting and developing outstanding leaders. In this case, we’re fortunate to appoint Chris and leverage his strong financial acumen, leadership, and experience.”

Mr. Navratil joined Equity Bank in 2019 as a senior vice president and was named CFO of the Bank in December 2022. During his time at Equity, Mr. Navratil has led the Bank’s financial strategy, planning, and reporting functions, including balance sheet strategy and liquidity management. Mr. Navratil has also served as Equity’s Investor Relations Officer. Before joining Equity, Mr. Navratil spent seven years with Crowe LLP in Chicago, Illinois, within the Financial Institution Audit Practice. Mr. Navratil resides in Wichita and received his Master’s degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University.

Mr. Newell joined Equity as CFO in June of 2020. He will retain responsibility for and leadership of Equity’s financial reporting and accounting teams concluding with the filing of Equity’s Second Quarter Form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange Commission. He will then work through September 20, 2023 to assist in the transition of duties and responsibilities to Mr. Navratil.

“Our Company is very fortunate to be a home for top talent within the banking industry, who are afforded the opportunity to build lasting relationships with customers, team members, and shareholders,” said Mr. Elliott. “Eric accomplished a great deal during his time at Equity helping us build our Company, culture, and teams. He serves as an example of how we build and encourage entrepreneurial leaders to deliver for our investors, customers, and colleagues.”