FirstBank Florida, one of the healthiest banks growing in Florida, announced the appointment of Jose E. Cueto and Jose Maria Lacasa as the newest additions to their team as they expand in the corporate banking space. Cueto and Lacasa join the bank from Bankia/Caja Madrid, the parent company of City National Bank of Florida, and will compliment the banks growth and expansion plans within Florida.
Cueto and Lacasa will focus on expanding FirstBank Florida’s middle market & large corporate customer base, with a special focus on government infrastructure projects, the energy and healthcare sectors, and syndications. “Amongst their specific expertise is a keen understanding of highway/transportation projects, renewable energy initiatives, and experience working on large and complex credits”, said the bank in a statement.
“With a wealth of experience and success in Corporate and Commercial Banking, this new team brings many of the attributes, knowledge, and relationships we are looking to capitalize on,” said Calixto Garcia-Velez, Florida Region Executive and EVP at FirstBank Florida. “The continued expansion into core lines of business such as corporate banking, will allow FirstBank Florida to better serve our customers and our community, especially as the economy improves and credit demand increases,” added Garcia-Velez.
Cueto will run the Corporate Banking Team at FirstBank Florida as SVP of the line of business, with Lacasa joining him in the group as VP. “We are excited to join FirstBank Florida and the strong team and culture that exist at the bank, and we are confident in what lies ahead for this bank as well as the corporate banking unit”, stated José Cueto.