“Leading with a Purpose-driven Mindset”

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Julie Tutkovics’s unique approach to people and building connections differentiates her as a leader and makes her stand out as a marketer.

A highly respected marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Julie reports directly to Huntington’s Chairman and CEO and is an integral member of the Executive Leadership Team. With a purpose-driven mindset, Julie leads an approximately 175-member marketing, communications, and customer insights and advocacy team in their efforts across a multi-state footprint.

Julie impressively led the communications strategy and was deeply influential in the integration efforts of FirstMerit in 2016 and TCF in 2021, which resulted in a Midwest bank with more than $175 billion in assets. Under her leadership, Huntington defined its Corporate Purpose to make lives better, help businesses thrive and strengthen the communities they serve. Huntington’s cultural evolution is more than an internal success. Every day, Huntington colleagues change customers' lives because their purpose drives them to look out for people – which Julie championed.

She’s a motivational leader whose people-focused marketing approach inspires thousands of colleagues across Huntington’s footprint. Julie encourages colleagues to live the company’s Purpose in actions both large and small – and the bank sets the bar high. In June 2021, Huntington announced a $40 billion strategic Community Plan to tackle social, racial, environmental and economic inequities across its footprint. This announcement is just one of the many reasons why colleagues take pride in Huntington and believe in its brand and mission.

This translates into the brand’s success in the marketplace. Industry studies show that customers experience Huntington’s welcoming culture and are satisfied with the bank and the service they receive. Evidence of Julie’s influence and distinct marketing approach can be seen in the brand campaign – particularly the powerful “Brand Essence” spot that, rather than advertising for a product or service, demonstrated Huntington’s unique purpose to look out for people. Julie’s marketing approach has transformed Huntington’s internal partnerships and external presence.

Throughout her successful career, Julie has prioritized one thing above all else: people. Her greatest leadership quality is her authentic desire to develop meaningful relationships with everyone she meets – whether entry-level colleagues, senior leaders, or external partners. She is an outstanding mentor for many emerging professionals across Huntington.

Julie also is heavily involved in promoting Huntington’s inclusive culture and advocating on behalf of colleagues—including as Executive Sponsor of the Hispanic Business Resource Group (BRG).

She mentors the BRG's female leaders and guides their work, which is focused on the needs of Latinx and refugee communities through financial education and expanded community outreach.

As she has advanced throughout her career, her sharp skills, deep knowledge of the industry, and her genuine desire to positively impact colleagues, customers and the community have made her the clear choice for positions such as Chief Marketing Officer at FirstMerit and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Huntington.

Her goal is to make people better, enable them to become the best versions of themselves, and achieve more than they thought possible. In her words, “if we take time to listen and to understand someone’s perspective, we can connect with them personally and help them navigate their career and reach professional milestones.” IEWL