SAN DIEGO – (July 26, 2024) – California Bank & Trust (CB&T), one of California’s leading banks, has expanded its team of knowledgeable corporate bankers in San Francisco with the additions of P. Jojo Kochaphum, managing director, and Omar Escarcega, vice president. These new hires, who will be located in CB&T’s San Francisco offices, enhance CB&T’s ability to deliver a comprehensive suite of banking solutions to middle-market and corporate clients.
Kochaphum joins CB&T with over 30 years of experience in corporate and investment banking. He was most recently Director of Diversified Industries at KeyBanc Capital Markets, where he provided debt, capital markets and treasury solutions to corporate clients. He previously held various roles at GE Capital, GMAC Commercial Finance and Bank of the West. In these roles, he built and led market-leading corporate and investment banking franchises and was involved in dozens of strategic financing events and capital raises. Kochaphum is a graduate of UC Berkeley, and obtained his master’s in applied economics from San Francisco State University, and holds his FINRA Series 79 and 63 licenses.
Escarcega also joins CB&T from KeyBanc Capital Markets, where he served as an investment banking associate conducting in-depth financial analysis to assess investment opportunities and target company performance. Prior to joining KeyBanc Capital Markets, he held positions at ADP and Apollo Global Management Inc. — all in the California market. Escarcega is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and obtained his MS in Finance from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and holds his FINRA Series 79 and 63 licenses.
“We are thrilled to have Jojo and Omar join our corporate banking team. Their additions will expand our capabilities to better serve clients and will enable us to grow our market share in the Northern California market,” said CB&T Executive Vice President and Senior Regional Director, Lars Hens. “Our team is better positioned to meet our clients’ borrowing, banking and treasury management needs, as well as deliver the attentive, high-quality service that CB&T is known for.”
To learn more about CB&T’s commitment to empowering California’s communities, visit www.calbanktrust.com. In addition, connect with CB&T on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About California Bank & Trust (CB&T): CB&T has been helping Californians and their businesses grow and prosper for 70 years. A division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. (NASDAQ: ZION), CB&T continues to earn recognition year after year across California. CB&T has been voted “Best Bank” by readers of the San Diego Union-Tribune for 14 consecutive years, and “Best Commercial Bank” for 10 years in a row. Readers of The Orange County Register have also voted CB&T as the county’s “Best Bank” for 11 consecutive years. CB&T was also named a 2023 “Best Bank” in the Sacramento Bee’s Sacramento Favorites and the bank has consistently won Greenwich Excellence Awards for achievement in Middle-Market and Small Business. Its experienced and professional bankers are backed by major resources, yet maintain local decision-making authority and regional market and industry expertise. Each is committed to providing clients with valuable economic insights and connecting them with the beneficial business relationships they need in order to succeed.
Media Contact:
Sarah Bilyeu
California Bank & Trust
sarah.bilyeu@calbt.com
(619) 252-9111