Amalgamated Chairman Heytow Dies

Eugene P. Heytow, chairman of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, died Aug. 26. He was 76.

Heytow led a group of investors in 1966 in buying what is now Amalgamated Bank. The $745 million-asset institution is known for its business with union leaders in Chicago, with Heytow emerging as an advocate for labor organizations.

Heytow's civic activities in Chicago included serving as chairman of the Metropolitan Fair and Exposition Authority in 1980.

In a press release, Amalgamated's president and chief executive, Robert M. Wrobel, called Heytow "an entrepreneurial leader who was the driving force behind Amalgamated Bank's unique positioning and growth."

"His legacy, in part, will be defined by his vision of helping tens of thousands of America's working men and women access needed banking and financial services," Wrobel said. "We are fortunate to be able to carry on that legacy in the years ahead."

Wrobel is to succeed Heytow as chairman of the holding company, in addition to his other roles with the company.

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