As part of an ongoing strategy to expand operations in new markets, Wells Fargo’s Business Banking Group (BBG) named Don Hayes head of the newly established Ohio and Western Pennsylvania region.

In this role, Hayes leads a local team dedicated to providing financial products and services for the company’s Business Banking customers throughout the region. Expanding into Ohio and Western Pennsylvania increases BBG’s presence and capabilities and allows them to work more closely with other Wells Fargo business lines to serve business customers in key markets. Based in Cleveland, Hayes reports to John Cole, head of Business Banking for the Northeast region.

Serving more than 100,000 businesses across the U.S. with annual sales generally from $5 million to $20 million, BBG provides a range of services, including credit, cash management, risk management, succession and wealth management.

“This is an exciting time for the Business Banking Group as we continue to strengthen our capabilities and leverage our expertise in new markets,” Cole said. “With Don’s leadership experience, local market expertise and strong relationships across Wells Fargo, I’m confident that he will lead our growing team as we provide Business Banking customers across a variety of industries with the financial products and services they need.”

Previously, Hayes was regional vice president of Wells Fargo’s Middle Market Banking operations in Ohio, where he managed teams in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton to expand the business across the region. Prior to joining Wells Fargo in 2004, he held management positions with both National City Bank and Key Bank.

Concurrently, Keith Alves was named business banking manager for Wells new operations in Pittsburgh. With more than 23 years of financial services experience, Alves joins Wells Fargo from Santander Bank and will report to Hayes.