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John W. Kemper

President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. at COMMERCE BANCSHARES INC /MO/
Board
Since August 2018
Age
47 years
Education
Holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Stanford University, a Master of Science in economic history from the London School of Economics, and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Tenure
Joined Commerce Bancshares in 2007, held various roles including President and Chief Operating Officer, and was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2018, with board membership since September 2015.

Also at COMMERCE BANCSHARES INC /MO/

DWK
David W. Kemper
Executive Chairman
CGK
Charles G. Kim
Chief Financial Officer
DLO
David L. Orf
Executive Vice President

About

John W. Kemper serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bank.

He joined Commerce Bancshares in 2007 and advanced through key roles, including that of President and Chief Operating Officer, before his promotion to CEO in August 2018. His board membership, established in September 2015, underscores his integral role in the company’s governance.

Before his tenure at Commerce Bancshares, he gained significant experience as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Co. in New York and Chicago, where he led strategy and operations projects for clients in the financial services and airline sectors.

With a strong academic foundation from Stanford University, the London School of Economics, and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, his professional journey is complemented by active involvement in civic organizations and contributions to corporate strategy, reflecting a well-rounded blend of leadership and expertise.

$CBSH Performance Under John W. Kemper

Past Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
Commerce Bank President Mar 2013 – Transition to CEO Held role prior to his current President and CEO position
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. President of the Company Feb 2013 – Transition to CEO Served before being promoted to President and CEO
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Chief Operating Officer N/A – Prior to current role Role held before his advancement to President and CEO
McKinsey & Co. Engagement Manager Pre-CBSH (Date not specified) Led consulting teams for strategy and operations engagements in financial services and airlines

External Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
Tower Properties Company Director Mar 2008 – Present N/A
Visa Executive Client Counsel Member of Counsel N/A – Present N/A
Civic Organizations in the St. Louis Region Board Member N/A – Present N/A

Fixed Compensation

Data from  FY 2025
Component NameAmountPayment ScheduleAdditional Details
Base Salary (Effective March 29, 2025)$1,050,000 Effective March 29, 2025 N/A

Performance Compensation

Data from  FY 2025

Performance-Based Bonus

ParameterValueNotes
Dollar Amount ($USD)$1,964,441 No further performance metrics provided for 2025
Performance MetricsN/A Details not available for 2025
TargetN/A Details not available for 2025
ThresholdN/A Details not available for 2025
Max (Cap)N/A Details not available for 2025
WeightsN/A Details not available for 2025
Evaluation Period2025 Not detailed
Actual ResultsN/A Not provided

Restricted Stock Awards

ParameterValueNotes
Share Quantity43,931 shares Restricted stock awards granted in 2025
Performance MetricsN/A No details available for 2025
Vesting ScheduleN/A Detailed vesting schedule not provided for 2025
Grant DateN/A Not provided for 2025
Grant Date Fair ValueN/A Not provided for 2025