Ben Alvarado joined Sunwest Bank as EVP and head of Retail and Business Banking. He will lead the retail network along with Sunwest’s commercial deposit team and work to create synergy between the groups. He will also work toward building a business banking unit within the branch network.

Alvarado is a 26-year banking veteran with experience in retail banking, business banking and wealth management. He started his career at Wells Fargo, holding a variety of leadership positions in branch management and business development. Most recently, he oversaw a network of 230 branches in Orange County and San Diego.

“Ben has an impressive professional background in the banking industry, beginning his career with Wells Fargo many years ago as a teller,” said Eric Hovde, Sunwest’s chairman and CEO. “We’re pleased to welcome him and look forward to the contribution he’ll make to our organization.”

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Irvine, CA, Sunwest Bank is a privately held commercial bank with more than $1.1 billion in assets and operations in California, Arizona, Idaho and Utah.