Valley National Bank, a New Jersey-based regional bank with USD 63 billion in assets, has named Pantelis Klonaris as its new Business Banking Director for South Florida. This strategic hire aims to bolster the bank’s commercial banking presence in the region, aligning with its goal to expand its national footprint.
Valley National Bank hires Pantelis Klonaris as Business Banking Director.
Klonaris to lead South Florida business banking in Dade, Broward, Palm Beach.
Aims to triple regional team size in two years.
Brings over 20 years of banking experience from JPMorgan Chase, Wachovia.
Succeeds Alyshia Bennett, now Regional Manager for Florida and Alabama.
Focus on relationship-driven financial solutions for growing businesses.
Pantelis Klonaris will oversee Valley National Bank’s business banking sales team across Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, succeeding Alyshia Bennett, who has transitioned to Regional Manager for small business banking in Florida and Alabama. Klonaris is tasked with tripling the regional team’s size over the next two years, aligning with Valley’s strategy to scale its commercial and industrial portfolio. “As Valley looks to expand its business banking division throughout South Florida, Pantelis’ addition will provide the leadership and strategic guidance needed for continued success,” said Jeff Watts, Chief Banking Officer for Valley Bank’s East Florida region.
Klonaris brings over two decades of banking experience to Valley National Bank, most recently serving as Business Banking Area Manager at JPMorgan Chase, where he managed a team of 12 bankers and a significant book of business in South Florida. His prior role as a senior relationship manager at Wachovia Bank further strengthens his credentials. “South Florida is abundant with opportunities for growing businesses that require dynamic financial solutions and strong partners,” said Klonaris, highlighting his commitment to leveraging Valley’s relationship-focused approach to meet market demands.
A graduate of Florida State University with a finance degree and an MBA from Saint Thomas University, Klonaris is deeply engaged in the South Florida community. He serves on the board of the Optimist Club of Cooper City and is actively involved with Kids in Distress and Junior Achievement of South Florida, reflecting his dedication to both professional and civic leadership.
Valley National Bank’s appointment of Klonaris signals its commitment to driving growth in South Florida’s dynamic business landscape. By combining his extensive experience with the bank’s innovative banking services, Klonaris is poised to enhance Valley’s regional presence and deliver tailored financial solutions to businesses.
As the principal subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp, Valley National Bank is a regional bank with nearly $63 billion in assets. Valley is committed to giving people and businesses the power to succeed. Valley operates many convenient branch locations and commercial banking offices across New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable team dedicated to meeting customer needs.
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