Center Bancorp, the parent company of Union Center National Bank, has appointed David Leibowitz as director of private banking - a role in which he will offer wealth and credit solutions to high net worth individuals.

Prior to joining Union Center, Leibowitz was a private banker at Citigroup. He was an investment officer at the private bank JP Morgan Chase before that. 

Leibowitz has over 12 years of wealth advisory and general banking experience, including estate planning, investment strategy and change management expertise, the firm said. 

President and chief executive, Anthony Weagley, said Leibowitz's appointment reflects the firm's acquisition of Saddle River Valley Bank, as well as the fact the bank has gained greater access to affluent communities in New Jersey.

Union Center also recently announced partnerships with the SEC-registered investment advisory firm Compass Financial Management and ING, offering pension and 401(k) planning services.

Union Center's private wealth management division provides advisory services to HNW individuals and families, including liquidity management, investment services, custody, tailored lending, wealth planning, trust and fiduciary services, insurance, and family wealth and philanthropy advice.

Center Bancorp currently operates 13 banking locations in Union and Morris counties in New Jersey.

The firm has $1.4 billion in assets - with deposits of $1.1 billion and stockholders' equity of $135.9 million - as of 31 December 2011