Santander Bank named David Harnisch head of Commercial Banking, where he will be responsible for leading and growing its commercial banking division. Harnisch will succeed Robert Rubino, who recently left the bank.

“David has been instrumental in shaping our commercial banking strategy and in leading the transformation within the division that is now translating into sustainable growth and client impact,” said Duke Dayal, Santander president and CEO. “His broad experience in client management, execution, underwriting and building and leading high-performing teams will help us continue to meet the needs of our clients and grow this business. I look forward to him leading the on-going transformation and momentum in the commercial bank.”

Harnisch joined Santander in 2017 as the head of Underwriting, Portfolio Management and Commercial Strategy. Prior to that, he held a variety of leadership roles in the banking and finance industry, including executive vice president and head of Commercial Banking, Underwriting and Portfolio Management at Citizens Financial Group.

Santander has spent the last year expanding its commercial banking coverage in the U.S. with new bankers in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest regions of the country. It has also added specialized banking, foreign corporate banking, technology, media and telecommunications banking and a family office practice to better serve the unique needs of its clients.