Rob Nielsen has been named the new president of Johnson Bank, succeeding Dan Defnet, who has retired.

Defnet was named president of Johnson Bank in 2019 and joined Johnson Financial Group, the Racine-based parent company of Johnson Bank, in 2011.

Nielsen has been with Johnson Financial Group for nearly 14 years and most recently served as the head of its commercial specialty group. He has held leadership positions in commercial banking, structured finance and strategic planning at Johnson Financial Group and prior roles at M&I Bank/BMO.

“Rob is a strategic, thoughtful leader whose judgment, financial expertise and commitment to our clients and communities have earned the trust of his colleagues across the organization,” said Jim Popp, president and CEO of Johnson Financial Group. “With more than 35 years in this industry, he brings an impressive combination of analytical strength, steady leadership and genuine care for people — qualities that will continue to strengthen Johnson Bank for years to come.”

As president of Johnson Bank, Nielsen will oversee commercial banking, treasury management, consumer and private banking, mortgage banking, credit and bank operations.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Johnson Bank Wisconsin,” said Nielsen. “I’ve been proud to call Johnson Financial Group home for over a decade and I look forward to building on the strong foundation Dan (Defnet) and so many others have created. Our teams are deeply committed to doing what’s right for our clients and communities and I’m excited to work alongside them.”