Jay Sanders has been appointed to the helm of the division as executive vice president, private banking. At CIT Bank, he was executive vice president and head of wealth management, private banking and fiduciary services. Previously, he spent over 15 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in roles including managing director within the global wealth management and investment division.

Joining the team as senior directors, private banking are Thomas Smykal, Eric Bacura, Demetrio Kerrison and Ashley Rochester. Smykal brings over 30 years of experience in private and commercial banking. Before CIT Bank, he worked at US Trust, Northern Trust, Bank of America, and Comerica.

Bacura brings 22 years of experience in private and commercial banking, including former experience at City National Bank and Northern Trust.

Kerrison has over 30 years of experience in private banking and investment advisory, including experience at UBS, Merrill Lynch, and Smith Barney.

Rochester, who has 18 years of experience, was most recently a relationship manager and director at CIT Bank’s private banking group. He previously worked in commercial banking at US Bank and California Bank & Trust.

Meanwhile, Tyler McCalister has been appointed senior director, private mortgage banking. Before CIT Bank, he spent eight years in private mortgage banking at JP Morgan.

“We are excited to accelerate this growth by continuing to invest in our team. Jay is an experienced leader who will accelerate the growth of our private banking franchise,” said Steven Sugarman, chairman and chief executive of Banc of California. 

“Thomas, Eric, Demetrio, Ashley, and Tyler share our values, energy, and passion, and will help us further our mission as California's Bank.”

Based in Century City, California, the private banking division also has offices in Calabasas and Woodland Hills.