MUFG Union Bank expanded its Small Business Administration Lending group as Craig Cornwell, Billy Szeto, Jeff Theiler and Sam Vichattu have joined as vice presidents reporting to Kirsten (Didi) Hakes, head of the SBA Lending group.

These individuals will assist small business owners with a broad range of financial services, including owner-occupied commercial real estate lending, business acquisition and expansion.

“Small business owners across the West Coast are optimistic about the business opportunities ahead and we are expanding our team to support their growing needs,” Hakes said. “This high-caliber team, with an average of 18 years of experience serving small business owners, is qualified to counsel clients on the various Small Business Administration programs and other financing options that will help them achieve their specific business goals.”

Based in Los Angeles, Cornwell brings to Union Bank more than 20 years of Small Business Administration expertise.

Szeto joins Union Bank from JPMorgan Chase, where he most recently served as a relationship manager serving businesses in the Los Angeles area. He brings Union Bank small business clients more than 20 years of financial industry experience in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Szeto has also held positions at SoCal Certified Development Company, California Bank & Trust, First Bank and Comerica Bank.

Covering the Pacific Northwest, Theiler joins Union Bank from Bank of the West, where he was a Small Business Administration specialist. Previously, he was a vice president with Lehman Brothers, Key Bank and GE Capital. Theiler’s professional background includes banking experience in commercial real estate and equipment financing. He also brings more than 20 years of financial services experience as a Small Business Administration specialist and commercial banker.

Vichattu brings more than 12 years of financial services experience, which includes expertise in commercial real estate finance, SBA lending, market development and financial analysis. He is based in San Jose, CA and will cover the San Francisco Bay Area market.