Old Second appoints new CEO

James Eccher has been named president and CEO of Old Second Bancorp, Inc., Aurora, Ill..He will replace current president and CEO William Skoglund upon the latter's retirement at the end of the year. Skoglund will continue to serve as chair of the board of Old Second and Old Second National Bank after he retires..Eccher is currently chief operating officer and executive vice president of the holding company, as well as president and CEO of Old Second National Bank. He joined the bank in 1990, and was appointed to his present positions with the bank in 2003 and with the holding company in 2007..He has a bachelor's degree in accounting from St. Joseph's College, Rensselaer, Ind., and a master's degree in finance from Aurora University, Aurora, Ill..Skoglund has been president and CEO of Old Second since 1998 and chairman of both organizations since 2004. He started with Old Second in 1972 as a teller and held a variety of positions before being named president of the bank in 1992.."On behalf of the board of directors, I'd like to thank Bill for his many contributions to Old Second over a career spanning more than 42 years. Since taking over as CEO, Bill has steadfastly led the organization through periods of exciting growth as well as national financial crises," said Gerald Palmer, lead director. "The board looks forward to his continued guidance as chairman, and also looks forward to working with Jim in his new capacity.".The $2 billion Old Second has 28 branches in the Chicago area.