BHI restructured its business team to accommodate its current growth, fulfill the execution of its strategic plan, position the bank for further expansion and reinforce its industry expertise in specific sectors.

John Yoler, executive vice president and division executive, was appointed head of BHI Commercial & Industrial, overseeing BHI’s C&I teams in New York, New Jersey, Florida and California. Yoler, who currently oversees the bank’s food, beverage, specialty and sponsor finance verticals, as well as its U.S. representative offices in New Jersey, Florida and California, will expand his responsibilities with management of the total C&I sector for the bank. This growth will include the additional areas of high tech, international, investment services, nonprofit and treasury management. Yoler joined BHI in 2016 from HSBC, where he was senior vice president and area director of global corporate banking, responsible for the New Jersey and Philadelphia banking teams.

Gal Defes was appointed head of international C&I, high tech and investment services for BHI, reporting to Yoler. Defes will oversee the technology sector. Most recently, Defes was senior vice president at Bank Leumi USA, where he served as head of technology banking for its East Coast region, managing two teams specializing in banking and credit solutions for technology clients. Defes joined Bank Leumi in Israel in 2006 and worked in several of the bank’s business units, with special emphasis on commercial and industrial lending, real estate finance and multiple growth sectors.

Steven Caligor, executive vice president and division executive, will focus on BHI’s plan for growth of its real estate and assisted living sectors in the New York tristate region, California and Florida as head of BHI’s commercial real estate division, which also includes the bank’s healthcare practice. Caligor joined BHI in 2016 with 30 years of experience leading real estate lending at multiple financial institutions, including Bank Leumi and Signature Bank.

“These changes are designed to enhance and build on our business growth and further our mission of providing personal service and customized financial solutions for our clients,” Gil Karni, CEO of BHI, said.