UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant ☑

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

You invested in NORTHWEST BANCSHARES, INC. and it’s time to vote!

You have the right to vote on proposals being presented at the Annual Meeting. This is an important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the shareholder meeting to be held on May 20, 2026.

Get informed before you vote

View the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, Summary Annual Report, Annual Report on Form 10-K and Proxy Card online OR you can receive a free paper or email copy of the material(s) by requesting prior to May 6, 2026. If you would like to request a copy of the material(s) for this and/or future shareholder meetings, you may (1) visit www.ProxyVote.com, (2) call 1-800-579-1639 or (3) send an email to [email protected]. If sending an email, please include your control number (indicated below) in the subject line. Unless requested, you will not otherwise receive a paper or email copy.

Smartphone users						Vote Virtually at the Meeting*
Point your camera here and						May 20, 2026 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time
vote without entering a
control number
				Virtually at:
				www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/NWBI2026

*Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance.

Vote at www.ProxyVote.com

THIS IS NOT A VOTABLE BALLOT

This is an overview of the proposals being presented at the upcoming shareholder meeting. Please follow the instructions on the reverse side to vote these important matters.

Voting Items				Board  Recommends
1.		The election as directors of all nominees listed below.		For
		Nominees:
		1)  Charles E. Kranich, II
		2)  Amber L. Williams
		3)  Louis J. Torchio
2.		Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026.		For
3.		An advisory, non-binding resolution to approve the executive compensation described in the Proxy Statement.		For
4.		The approval of the Northwest Bancshares, Inc. 2026 Equity Incentive Plan.		For
5.		The approval of the Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Discounted Stock Purchase Plan.		For

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