New Canaan’s Bankwell Financial has named one of its predecessor’s founding investors to replace former CEO Peyton Patterson, who resigned last year after personal financial troubles came to light.
Christopher Gruseke is CEO and president of both Bankwell Financial and its subsidiary Bankwell Bank.
He will also serve on the board of directors of both.
Gruseke was a founding director and investor in Bankwell’s predecessors — BNC Financial Group Inc. and The Bank of New Canaan. He rejoined Bankwell earlier this year as chief strategic officer.
“Following an extensive CEO search, the board has determined that Chris is uniquely qualified to meet the challenges and opportunities of this important role,” Chairman Blake S. Drexler said in a statement.
Drexler has been covering CEO duties since Patterson resigned.
