Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution, plans to relocate its holding company headquarters, Northwest Bancshares, Inc., to Columbus, Ohio. The company plans to create over 50 new jobs over the next several years.

Northwest’s new holding company headquarters will be located at 3 Easton Oval in Columbus, near its existing mortgage fulfillment center at 1 Easton Oval, and will occupy 19,000 square feet of the fifth floor, with rights to more space as needed.

“Centrally-located within our bank’s operating footprint, Columbus’ successful evolution enhances our strategy to attract and recruit employees in a growing market that shares and amplifies our aspirations,” said Northwest Bank President and CEO Ron Seiffert. “Relocating our holding company headquarters to Columbus is an integral component of our plan to continue providing best-in-class service and access to our customers, support the livelihood and wellbeing of our employees and their families, contribute to the growth of our local businesses and economies and give back to community organizations that make a difference in the lives of others.”

This relocation to Columbus will position Northwest as a major player and progressive competitor in the national market, with the Region’s central location and rich talent pool supporting the company’s vision for growth.

“We and our partners welcome Northwest Bank’s decision to choose Ohio for its new holding company headquarters,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This investment demonstrates the capacity of the Columbus Region’s outstanding financial services talent pool, which will play an essential role in Northwest Bank’s continued regional expansion.”

Headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania Northwest Bank operates 172 branches in central and western Pennsylvania, western New York and eastern Ohio.