Aug. 30, 2018

Doug Bass, an executive vice president and regional president, has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of Great Western Bancorp Inc.

The announcement follows what the company called an extensive, nationwide search for its president role.

As chairman and CEO, Ken Karels will continue to lead the company but will shift focus toward long-term strategy, business expansion and acquisition activities, board governance and regulatory relations, Great Western said.

In his new role, Bass will be responsible for implementing technological and strategic initiatives and overall loan and deposit growth, De novo office expansion, operating efficiency, and people and culture. Bass will report to Karels in his new role.

“Doug is a strong leader who understands the importance we have placed on our culture and values,” Karels said. “He is highly qualified for these new responsibilities and will continue our tradition of investing in our communities and our mission to ‘Make Life Great’ for our employees, customers and shareholders.”

Bass, 57, has 36 years of banking experience and has worked in various capacities with Great Western Bank since 2009. He has served in his current role since 2010.

Before joining Great Western, Bass served as president of First American Bank Group. Bass also served in various capacities over 15 years with Firstar Corp., now known as U.S. Bank, including as president and CEO of Firstar’s Sioux City and Council Bluffs operations in western Iowa and as manager of correspondent banking for its eastern Iowa operations, which also included responsibility for commercial banking and agribusiness lending.

Bass will be based in Sioux Falls.

“I’m excited to accept this new challenge and lead a team of dedicated employees,” hesaid. “With the support of an outstanding leadership team and a trusted brand, we are well-positioned for continued growth and investment in our customers and communities.”