Jeff Watts joined Bank Leumi as its new Southeast Market president.

In this role, Watts will lead the Southeast Middle Market team within the Commercial Banking division, based in Aventura, FL. He joined Leumi from City National Bank of Florida, where he held key leadership roles in commercial and private banking.

“Jeff’s vast knowledge of commercial banking and keen understanding of the Florida community are tremendous assets to the team as we continue to provide unparalleled service to our clients,” said Shawn McGowen, head of Commercial Banking at Leumi. “I’ve known Jeff for over 15 years, and he is a proven leader. Leumi’s Southeast Commercial Banking business has been growing by double digits over the past few years, and I am confident that Jeff can build upon the incredible momentum we have established.”

Watts brings more than 15 years of commercial banking experience to Leumi, all within the Florida market. He had been at City National Bank of Florida for more than eight years and, in his most recent role as director of the Private Client Group, managed a business portfolio to serve high-net-worth clientele throughout Florida. Previously at City National, he spent six years as Broward County Market Executive, responsible for all corporate banking activities in Broward and Palm Beach counties. He also spent time as a Corporate Banking team leader, implementing the bank’s commercial and middle market banking strategy.

From 2003 to 2009, Watts was a Commercial Banking relationship manager at Wachovia and Wells Fargo, leading the bank’s efforts to grow its Broward County market share.

Leumi’s Commercial Banking division is focused on U.S. middle market companies, with sector specialties including healthcare, water, media & entertainment, high tech, apparel and real estate.