Experienced banker, Christopher Damian to lead Private Client Group and new Wealth Management division
City National Bank (CNB), the premier commercial and private bank in Florida, announced that it has hired Christopher Damian as Executive Vice President, overseeing Private Client Group & Wealth Management.
Damian, a 25-year veteran banker, joins CNB after tenures at both Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust and Citibank Private Bank.
Damian will be responsible for growing the bank’s Private Client Group, and spearheading new business development endeavors, including the bank’s upcoming Wealth Management division.
“We are delighted to have someone of Chris’ caliber and accomplishment join the City National Bank family,” President and CEO Jorge Gonzalez said. “His stellar reputation, knowledge of the marketplace and extensive contacts will be a great asset. He will undoubtedly contribute to CNB’s continued growth and innovation.”
Prior to joining City National Bank, Damian was the Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Director of Private Banking for Gibraltar, where he spent the last 17 years. His accomplishments include helping grow the bank from $180 million in assets to more than $1 billion; playing an instrumental role in the buyback of Gibraltar Private from Boston Private and overseeing eight offices, 24 private bankers, 11 mortgage lenders, a $900 million deposit portfolio and originating more than $350 million in loans annually.
“City National Bank presents a unique opportunity to be part of growing an institution with a dynamic team that is uniquely positioned in the marketplace,” Damian said. “Their value proposition based on personal relationships, local decisions and a superior client experience is unparalleled in the Florida marketplace.”
Damian’s professional life is complemented by his significant contribution to the community. He is the co-founder of Educate Tomorrow, a non-profit that supports 15 to 23 year olds who are aging out of the foster care system by matching them with mentors. As a mentor himself, Damian’s mentee has graduated from college and begun a career in advertising. Both of them were invited to the White House to meet President Obama.
Damian earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida. He is a graduate of Leadership Florida’s 31st class.
“The addition of Chris is a continuation of the great momentum CNB has experienced since the acquisition of City National Bank by Bci late last year,” Gonzalez added. “We have strengthened our position as the employer of choice and continue to attract the best talent in the industry.”
About City National Bank
Headquartered in Miami, City National Bank (CNB) is the financial institution to which Floridians have turned for 70 years. With more than $7 billion in assets, CNB is one of the largest financial institutions based in the state. In September of 2015, Banco de Credito e Inversiones (Bci) completed the acquisition of CNB, representing the largest single investment ever by a Chilean company in the United States. The bank remains a South Florida-based community bank with local decision making. City National Bank is one of the most liquid and best capitalized banks in Florida and is rated 5 stars "Superior" by BauerFinancial. CNB was voted Best Community Bank, Best Business Bank, Best Bank for Commercial Real Estate, Best Bank for Jumbo Loans, Best Private Bank and Best Foreign National Mortgage Lender by the readers of the Daily Business Review for the past four years. The South Florida Business Journal named it Business of the Year in 2013 and Community Bank of the Year in 2013 and 2011. CNB offers a diversified portfolio of financial products and services at 26 convenient banking centers from Miami-Dade County to the greater Orlando area.
