As it keeps pace with increasing demand in Illinois and throughout the Midwest, Wells Fargo said that James K. Vargo — a business leader here for more than 25 years — has joined its growing commercial banking team in Chicago. In his new role as senior vice president and business development officer, he will work with middle market companies, those with at least $20 million in annual revenue.

Most recently, Vargo served as chief financial officer (CFO) and treasurer for HomeDirectUSA from 2005 to 2013. He was CFO for The Bekins Company from 2002 to 2005. And with Impact Capital Group in Chicago, from 2000 to 2002, Vargo was managing director. He held management positions of increasing responsibility with CIT Group in Chicago from 1994 to 2000, becoming senior vice president and Midwest regional manager for Business Credit. Earlier, he served in sales and credit roles with Congress Financial in Chicago.