Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Appoints Charles E. Kranich II to Board of Directors

COLUMBUS, OH (May 28, 2026) - Northwest Bancshares, Inc. ("Northwest") (Nasdaq: NWBI), announced that Charles E. Kranich II has been appointed to its Board of Directors.

"I am delighted to welcome Charles to Northwest's Board. He brings extensive experience in business leadership, real estate investment and marketing, along with a strong understanding of the communities we serve," said Louis J. Torchio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. "His background and relationships throughout Central and Western Pennsylvania, combined with his prior bank board experience, will provide valuable perspective as we continue to execute on our strategy."

Kranich currently serves as President of Kranich's Jewelers, Inc., a fourth-generation, family-owned jewelry company with multiple locations in Central Pennsylvania. In this role, he leads the company's operations, marketing and growth initiatives, building on a long legacy of family ownership and customer focus.

Kranich previously served on the Board of Directors of Jersey Shore Bank from 2018 to 2025 and Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. from 2019 to 2025, when the company was acquired by Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Through his service on these boards, he gained valuable insight into the operations, regulatory environment, and markets of regional banking institutions.

"Northwest Bank plays an important role in supporting local economies," said Kranich.

"Northwest's continued transformation reflects a strong commitment to serving its communities while growing its presence across the region. I look forward to working with Lou, Northwest's Board and leadership team as the company continues its transformation journey."

About Northwest Bank

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, as well as employee benefits and wealth management services.

Currently, Northwest operates 151 full-service financial centers and 11 drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NWBI"). Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Bank can be accessed online at www.northwest.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to Northwest Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") including, without limitation, statements relating to the future business plans of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 under the section entitled "Item 1A - Risk Factors," and from time to time in other filings made by the Company with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only at the date of the release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly release any updates or revisions to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard to any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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