GREEN BAY, Wis., Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Associated Banc-Corp (Nasdaq: ASBC) announced today that Mark J. McMullen has been named Vice Chairman of Associated Bank N.A.  After 29 years of dedicated service to Associated's Wealth Management business, and in preparation for his eventual retirement, McMullen is transitioning his current role to Timothy J. Lau, and is assuming an expanded responsibility with the bank.

Under McMullen's leadership, Associated's Wealth Management division expanded and grew to provide a full array of private banking, investment management, trust, financial planning, and insurance services. In his new capacity, McMullen will focus on overall client retention and new business development.  He will carry on his role as an important ambassador for the bank's community involvement. McMullen will also continue to serve as a member of Associated Banc-Corp's Executive Committee.

"My focus will be on enhancing our strong client relationships," said McMullen. "I look forward to this new chapter in my career as I take a more important role for the overall bank. I hope to leverage my years of experience to help Associated as we continue to practice our belief in personal service coupled with sound, value-added financial solutions."

Timothy J. Lau succeeds McMullen as Executive Vice President, Head of Wealth Management for Associated Banc-Corp and Associated Bank, N.A. In this role, he will oversee the company's Private Banking, Trust and Investment Services.  Lau will also serve as a member of the Executive Committee. He will be based in Green Bay.

"I believe Tim will bring a unique business perspective to Associated Wealth Management that will allow us to expand our offerings to our Wealth Management clients," said McMullen.  "We're excited about what he brings to this responsibility."

Lau brings more than 24 years of banking experience to the role.  He joined Associated in 1989 and has held a number of senior management positions in Consumer and Small Business Banking, Residential Lending, and Commercial Banking. Lau holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

"I'm honored to follow Mark in Associated's commitment to serving our Wealth Management clients," said Lau. "As we move forward as an organization, Mark's continued guidance will prove invaluable to our organization's growth and success."

About Associated Banc-Corp

Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ: ASBC), headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a diversified bank holding company with total assets of $23 billion. Associated has 281 banking offices serving more than 150 communities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company offers a full range of traditional banking services and a variety of other financial products and services. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.

About Associated Wealth Management

Associated Wealth Management provides businesses, non-profit organizations, foundations, endowments, and individuals with the tools and expertise they need to achieve their financial goals.  Products and services available include educational savings plans, IRAs, 401(k) plans, mutual funds, stocks and bonds, annuities, life insurance, long-term care insurance, private banking, financial planning, personal trust, investment management, and estate planning.

SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp