Bank of the West Strengthens its Mid-Cap Technology Team with Key Hire

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Feb 11, 2015, 09:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of the West announced today that Lee Merkle-Raymond has joined Bank of the West's Commercial Banking Group (CBG) as a commercial regional manager based in San Francisco. With more than 20 years of experience financing public and private companies, Merkle-Raymond will lead the bank's growing focus on mid-cap technology companies and oversee teams based in San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay.

"As a local bank with the global resources of our parent BNP Paribas, we are focused on expanding our relationships with mid-cap technology firms and Lee is the ideal person to lead our growing team," said Jean-Marc Torre, Head of Bank of the West's Commercial Banking Group.

"I'm thrilled that Lee has joined Bank of the West," said Mark Glasky, executive vice president and head of Commercial Coverage for Bank of the West. "As a seasoned credit specialist with extensive capital markets and treasury knowledge, expertise in both business development and risk management, and a strong focus on the technology and energy sectors, Lee brings unmatched talent and diversity of experiences to us and to our clients."

Matthew Harvey, North America Head of Technology at BNP Paribas, added, "With Lee's leadership, we're confident that we're in an even stronger position to help usher our mid-cap technology clients to a new phase of growth, whether they operate locally, nationally, or internationally."

"I came to Bank of the West because of the close relationships the bank has with companies and the global capabilities we deliver through BNP Paribas," said Merkle-Raymond. "Bank of the West is well positioned to expand the financial solutions we deliver to companies and executives across the Bay Area, and to technology companies throughout the U.S. It's an exciting time to help build both the local and global business."

Prior to joining Bank of the West, Merkle-Raymond worked for more than 20 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where she held a number of US and international leadership positions and established the bank's mid-cap technology group. Most recently, she was Public Sector Banking Business Strategies Executive and previously served as Global Corporate Banking Corporate Debt Products Manager in Sydney, Australia, leading and refocusing the Australia debt team post acquisition.

Merkle-Raymond is a mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, which matches senior female technology executives with women entrepreneurs in developing and emerging markets. Merkle-Raymond is also a long-time supporter of several LGBT and pride organizations, including Out & Equal, a San Francisco-based non-profit that advances workplace equality. She resides in Palo Alto, CA.

Bank of the West's CBG team meets the rapidly changing needs of growing businesses with annual revenues of $25 million and higher. CBG helps businesses achieve their unique visions by delivering smart and comprehensive solutions that fuel sustainable growth. With specialized sector expertise, CBG anticipates and tackles the challenges businesses face in industries including agriculture, commercial real estate, manufacturing and religious institutions. CBG offers clients the best of both worlds: the personalized relationships and community ties of a local bank backed by the international capabilities of BNP Paribas, one of the world's strongest financial groups.

About Bank of the West:
Bank of the West is a regional financial services company chartered in California and headquartered in San Francisco with $69 billion in assets. Founded in 1874, Bank of the West provides a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services through more than 650 offices in 22 states and digital channels. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, which has a presence in 75 countries with 180,000 employees.

Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

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SOURCE Bank of the West