Skagerrak Sparebank CEO to retire in 2026 after two decades

Skagerrak Sparebank announced that chief executive Jan Kleppe will step down in June 2026, coinciding with his 62nd birthday. At the time of his departure, Kleppe will have led the bank for 21 consecutive years, during which Skagerrak Sparebank experienced substantial growth in business capital, expanding from NOK 1.7 billion to NOK 40 billion.

Under Kleppe’s leadership, the bank strategically expanded through mergers with Kragero Sparebank, Andebu Sparebank, and Larvikbanken. These integrations established Skagerrak Sparebank as a prominent regional local bank along the Norwegian coast from Arendal to Holmestrand. The bank currently operates with 145 employees across 11 offices.

The board expressed gratitude for Kleppe's "outstanding efforts" and confirmed he will be available for a transitional period post-retirement. A recruitment process to find a new chief executive has commenced, with chairman Are Stokstad emphasizing a thorough search for a leader for the "very solid bank with high ambitions."