WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION 8-K

What Happened

• Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) filed an 8-K on Jan 23, 2026 (Item 5.02) reporting that its Board of Directors appointed Carter Welch as an independent director. The Board made the appointment on January 22, 2026, and Mr. Welch’s term begins February 26, 2026 and continues until his successor is duly nominated, qualified and elected.
• The filing notes Mr. Welch has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and business strategy. No other officer or director departures or compensatory arrangements were reported in this filing.

Key Details

• Filing: Form 8-K dated Jan 23, 2026 (Item 5.02).
• Appointment made by Board: January 22, 2026.
• Effective date of service: February 26, 2026.
• Background: 25+ years of marketing and business strategy experience.

Why It Matters

• Board change: Adding an independent director is a governance item investors watch because it can affect board expertise and oversight. Mr. Welch brings marketing and strategy experience that may inform the company’s strategic discussions.
• Financial impact: The filing does not report any immediate financial impact or executive departures; this is primarily a governance update rather than an operational or earnings event for investors.