Union Bank, N.A., today announced that Joseph Benoit will lead its small business banking group, a strategic area of focus for the bank as it positions itself for growth. Benoit, a lifelong resident of San Diego, will be responsible for bank-wide sales activity, service and support for the group. He previously served as a market president, overseeing branch operations in San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. His new position is effective Jan 2, 2009.
“Small businesses are the engine of California’s economy, providing job opportunities and significant financial contributions to the state,” said Pierre Habis, executive vice president and head of branch banking for Union Bank. “Joe is a solid leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, having overseen the growth of our retail operations in the San Diego and Inland Empire regions. He is the perfect person to lead this enterprise-wide effort to expand outreach and lending to small business owners.”
Benoit began his career with Union Bank in 1992 as branch manager of the Golden Triangle Office in San Diego. He later was promoted to a division manager. Benoit received his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and his M.B.A. from National University. He also is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and serves on its board of directors.
Benoit is actively involved in the San Diego community, serving as a board member of The Old Globe Theatre, YMCA of San Diego County, the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce, and the San Diego Zoological Society Foundation.
Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $62.6 billion at September 30, 2008. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service commercial bank providing an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. Union Bank is California’s fifth largest bank by deposits. The bank has 336 banking offices in California, Oregon and Washington, and 2 international offices. Effective November 4, 2008, UnionBanCal Corp. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.
Contacts:
Union Bank
Stephen L. Johnson, 415-765-3252
stephen.johnson@uboc.com
or
Tanya
Peebles, 213-236-5329
tanya.peebles@uboc.com