(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
Boutique Bank Has Strong Capital Base and Focuses on Personal Service
For BBU Bank
Bennett & Company
Laura P. Bennett, 407-478-4040
laura@bennettandco.com
Logo: http://www.bbubank.com
When international financier Juan Carlos Escotet and Chairman Raul Valdes-Fauli were looking for a versatile bank executive to take over the operations of BBU Bank, based in Coral Gables, Florida, it was Rafael Saldana who rose to the top of their search.
"Rafo fits well with our bank, he is a veteran of the changes the banking industry has experienced and he is an exceptional leader. His international experience and Florida knowledge made him the perfect choice to lead BBU Bank," said Escotet, the founder and major shareholder of BBU Bank.
"We are delighted to have Rafo. A seasoned banker and a graduate of the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management; he was immediately approved by our Board of Directors and all banking regulators," said Valdes-Fauli, Chairman and four-term former Mayor of Coral Gables.
"BBU is a strong bank with an exceptional team of executives and managers who provide an excellent infrastructure. With a solid Capital base, ample liquidity and a clean balance sheet we are well positioned for growth. We are ready and able to lend," said Saldana.
Saldana, age 48, has more than 25 years experience in the financial services industry. Prior to accepting the position with BBU Bank he served as President of R-G Crown Bank, based in Central Florida, which was acquired by Fifth Third Bancorp based in Cincinnati.
Rafael Saldana, President BBU Bank
Selected prior experience includes Executive Vice President and Commercial Director at Banco Santander (Puerto Rico), Business Director at Capital One Financial (Tampa, FL), Senior Vice President at Fleet Financial Group (Boston, MA), Senior Vice President and Group Executive for Wachovia Corporation (Winston-Salem, NC)
He received his MBA specializing in Accounting, Finance, Operations and Industrial Relations from the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL and his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras.
BBU Bank is a Florida Community Bank, chartered in 2006 and based at 150 Alhambra Circle, Suite 100, Coral Gables, FL 33134. The bank's web site is www.bbubank.com.
Editor's Note: Saldana is available for interviews, upon request to Laura Bennett, laura@bennettandco.com.
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