Enterprise Financial in St. Louis Renews Its CEO's Contract

Enterprise Financial Services (EFSC) in St. Louis has extended its chief executive's contract by one year.

Peter Benoist will remain CEO of the $2.6 billion-asset company through Dec. 31, 2014, the bank said Wednesday. His previous contract would have expired at the end of 2013. Under the new contract, Benoist will be eligible for two cash bonuses of $250,000 each, the news release said.

Benoist, 65, received $770,000 in total compensation last year, according to a proxy filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. His pay included a $446,000 salary and just under $245,000 in stock grants.

He has been president and CEO of Enterprise since 2008. He joined its banking unit as chairman and CEO in 2002.

Benoist "successfully led Enterprise through the most difficult economic period since the Great Depression," Chairman James Murphy said in a news release. "At the same time, while preserving the company's sound financial footing during the financial crisis, he had the foresight to capitalize on opportunities that were presented during that time."

This month Enterprise bought the mortgage unit of F&M Bank and Trust in Hannibal, Mo. It completed its exit from the Troubled Asset relief program in January.

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