First County Bank Announces Appointment of Nitin J. Mhatre as New Chief Executive Officer
STAMFORD, CT, January 12, 2026 — First County Bank’s Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Nitin J. Mhatre as the Bank’s next Chief Executive Officer. Mhatre brings more than 30 years of banking leadership experience across U.S. and international markets, most recently serving as President & CEO of Berkshire Bank, where he led a significant strategic and digital transformation and drove client experience modernization. He will succeed Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Granata, who has announced his planned retirement at the end of July.
Nitin J. Mhatre
New Chief Executive Officer for First County Bank
Mhatre joins First County Bank with a distinguished record of strengthening customer engagement, leading large-scale digital and strategic transformations, enhancing employee engagement, and delivering sustainable improvements in profitability. Under his leadership, Berkshire Bank received a significant number of external accolades including recognition by Newsweek amongst America’s Most Trustworthy Banks for four consecutive years and significantly improved both employee engagement and customer experience.
“The Board of Directors unanimously concluded that Nitin brings the experience, values, and leadership approach that strongly align with First County Bank’s mission, vision, and long-standing mutuality,” said Robert J. Granata, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First County Bank, speaking on behalf of the Board. “His dedication to customer service, commitment to community partnership, and proven ability to lead organizations through thoughtful, responsible growth make him the right leader to guide First County Bank into its next chapter. The Board is confident the Bank will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
A selection committee of the Board conducted a thorough, confidential evaluation of internal and external candidates. The committee prioritized finding a leader who understands the importance of the Bank’s long-standing commitment to mutuality and embodies First County Bank’s mission to engage, listen, and respond to customer and community needs; its vision to be the premier community bank; and its core values of service, innovation, financial strength, trusted relationships, and employee collaboration.
“I am honored and delighted to join First County Bank, an institution with a remarkable history and deep commitment to customers, employees, and the communities it serves,” said Nitin J. Mhatre, incoming Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to working with the Board, Bob, and the entire First County Bank team to continue building on its legacy of trusted relationships, innovation, and service.”
Mhatre received a bachelor’s degree in engineering and an MBA from Bombay University and has also completed Harvard Business School’s General Management Program. He has also been widely recognized for his involvement in the banking industry and community service. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Consumer Bankers Association headquartered in Washington D.C. including as Board Chair – along with Board Director roles at Junior Achievement of Connecticut and Cradles to Crayons Boston. His experience also includes significant advocacy work with legislators and regulatory agencies, reflecting his commitment to a strong and stable banking environment.
Mhatre will officially assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on April 15, 2026. Granata will work closely with Mhatre and the Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months. He will remain Chairman until July 31, 2026, while also continuing to serve on the Board of Directors.
About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for almost 175 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 13 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $2.2 billion and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces Award 2020-2025. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
