Bridge Bank hired Phillip Ho as senior vice president for its life sciences group. In his new role, Ho will work specifically with clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest. Based in San Francisco, he will also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with venture capital firms and other equity sponsors that help companies establish connections with financial institutions, such as Bridge Bank.

“Phil’s wealth of experience and keen insights make him the ideal candidate to lead our business development efforts throughout the Bay Area and the Northwest,” Bill Wickline, managing director of Bridge Bank’s life sciences group, said. “With Phil on board, we are poised to remain committed to the life sciences sector and forge new avenues of growth and collaboration to help companies at all stages of their life cycle.”

Before joining Bridge Bank, Ho was executive director and senior life science banker at JPMorgan Chase, where he developed relationships with Bay Area venture capitalists, early-stage companies and opinion leaders. Previously, he was managing director of venture banking originations for life science and health care at Pacific Western Bank in New York. Additionally, he has experience in leveraged finance in the healthcare and biopharmaceutical industries at BMO Capital Markets, Credit Suisse First Boston and GE Capital.

“I am excited to join Bridge Bank’s dynamic life sciences group and contribute to its forward-thinking approach to fostering innovation,” Ho said. “Bridge Bank’s commitment to supporting breakthrough advancements in the industry aligns perfectly with my passion for driving business growth. I look forward to bringing my skills and expertise to cultivate meaningful relationships and contribute to life sciences companies’ success.”