BankUnited Appoints Chad Loar as Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking
BankUnited Inc. has announced the appointment of seasoned banking executive Chad Loar as Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, reinforcing the company’s commitment to expanding its commercial banking franchise across key U.S. markets. In his new role, Loar will oversee the strategic direction and continued growth of the bank’s commercial banking operations throughout Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and the broader Southeastern United States.
The leadership appointment reflects BankUnited’s focus on strengthening its commercial banking capabilities while supporting businesses of all sizes through a comprehensive range of lending, treasury management, and deposit solutions. With more than two decades of experience in commercial banking leadership, Loar brings extensive expertise in business development, relationship management, portfolio growth, and regional banking strategy.
Strengthening Commercial Banking Leadership
Commercial banking continues to play a central role in BankUnited’s long-term growth strategy. By appointing Chad Loar to lead this division, the bank aims to further enhance its ability to serve middle-market companies, large corporations, institutional clients, and small businesses across its expanding geographic footprint.
As Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, Loar will be responsible for establishing the strategic vision for the bank’s commercial banking business while overseeing initiatives designed to increase revenue, improve profitability, and strengthen client relationships.
His responsibilities will include managing commercial lending operations, expanding deposit relationships, enhancing treasury management services, and ensuring that commercial banking teams continue delivering high-quality financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of business customers.
The role also places Loar at the center of BankUnited’s efforts to grow market share in several of its most important regional markets.
Driving Growth Across Multiple States
BankUnited’s commercial banking platform serves clients across a diverse geographic network that includes Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and other parts of the Southeastern United States.
These regions represent significant opportunities for business banking, commercial real estate financing, corporate lending, treasury services, and capital management solutions.
Under Loar’s leadership, the bank plans to continue expanding relationships with businesses operating across a wide range of industries while strengthening its reputation as a trusted financial partner for commercial clients.
His experience managing regional banking operations and developing high-performing commercial banking teams is expected to support the organization’s long-term expansion objectives.
Focus on Client-Centered Banking
BankUnited emphasized that Loar’s appointment aligns closely with its philosophy of placing clients at the center of every business decision.
According to Ernie Diaz, Senior Executive Vice President and Consumer & Commercial/Small Business Executive, Loar has consistently demonstrated the leadership qualities needed to drive sustainable growth while maintaining strong client relationships.
Diaz noted that Loar has built a successful career developing high-performing commercial banking organizations capable of delivering disciplined portfolio growth without compromising customer service.
He also highlighted Loar’s ability to strengthen brand recognition within local communities—an important element of BankUnited’s relationship-based banking approach.
By combining operational excellence with community engagement, the bank believes Loar is well positioned to accelerate commercial banking growth while reinforcing BankUnited’s customer-focused culture.
Leading Strategic Direction
One of Loar’s primary responsibilities will be shaping the future direction of BankUnited’s commercial banking business.
This includes identifying opportunities for expansion, strengthening risk management practices, supporting relationship managers, and ensuring the bank continues meeting the evolving financial needs of commercial customers.
His leadership will influence multiple areas of the organization, including:
- Commercial lending strategy
- Business deposit growth
- Treasury and cash management services
- Relationship banking
- Market expansion
- Portfolio performance
- Commercial banking profitability
By coordinating these functions under a unified strategic vision, BankUnited aims to enhance both customer satisfaction and long-term financial performance.
Bringing More Than Two Decades of Banking Experience
Loar joins BankUnited with approximately 25 years of experience spanning commercial banking, regional leadership, business development, and executive management.
Throughout his career, he has built extensive expertise serving businesses across various industries while leading teams responsible for lending, deposits, treasury management, and commercial relationship banking.
His experience positions him to understand the increasingly sophisticated financial needs of businesses operating in today’s rapidly changing economic environment.
Over the years, Loar has developed a reputation for balancing disciplined credit management with customer-focused relationship banking, allowing organizations to grow responsibly while maintaining strong portfolio quality.
Leadership Experience at PNC Bank
Before joining BankUnited, Loar served as Regional President for PNC Bank in Tampa.
In that leadership role, he oversaw the bank’s full range of operations throughout Florida’s west coast region.
His responsibilities extended beyond commercial banking to include coordination across multiple business lines, helping ensure consistent service delivery and strategic execution throughout the market.
As regional president, Loar worked closely with commercial clients, retail banking teams, wealth management professionals, and community organizations to strengthen the bank’s regional presence.
The position also required oversight of business development initiatives, community partnerships, operational performance, and market growth strategies.
His success in managing these diverse responsibilities contributed to his reputation as an accomplished banking executive capable of leading large, multi-functional organizations.
Previous Leadership Roles
Prior to joining PNC Bank, Loar held senior leadership positions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Fifth Third Bank.
These roles further expanded his experience managing commercial banking operations, client relationships, and regional business development efforts.
Working across several major financial institutions provided Loar with exposure to a wide variety of commercial banking models, operational practices, and customer segments.
This diverse background is expected to benefit BankUnited as it continues refining its commercial banking strategy while pursuing new opportunities across multiple markets.
A Strong Commitment to Community Leadership
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Loar has maintained an active presence within numerous civic and nonprofit organizations throughout Florida.
His commitment to community engagement reflects BankUnited’s broader philosophy that successful financial institutions should contribute to the economic development of the communities they serve.
Loar is a graduate of Leadership Florida, one of the state’s most respected leadership development organizations focused on preparing business and civic leaders to address statewide challenges.
He previously served as Chair of the St. Petersburg Economic Development Council, where he supported initiatives designed to encourage business investment, job creation, and regional economic growth.
He also served as Chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership, an organization dedicated to promoting economic competitiveness and regional collaboration throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Additionally, Loar has been a board member of the Central Florida Partnership, contributing to efforts that strengthen economic development and public-private cooperation across the region.
Continuing Service Through Nonprofit Organizations
Loar remains actively involved with several charitable and community organizations.
He is the incoming Chair of the Bayfront Health Foundation – Orlando Health, where he will help guide philanthropic initiatives supporting healthcare services and community wellness.
He is also preparing to serve as incoming Chair of United Way Suncoast, an organization focused on improving education, financial stability, and health outcomes throughout the communities it serves.
In addition, Loar contributes his expertise to Florida TaxWatch and several other civic organizations dedicated to public policy, economic development, and community improvement.
These leadership roles demonstrate his commitment to creating positive economic and social impact beyond the banking industry.
Academic Background
Loar’s educational achievements complement his extensive professional experience.
He earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida, where he developed advanced knowledge in finance, leadership, business strategy, and organizational management.
He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
Together, these academic credentials have supported a career spanning more than two decades of leadership within the financial services industry.
Supporting BankUnited’s Long-Term Vision
The appointment comes as BankUnited continues investing in its commercial banking platform to meet growing demand from businesses seeking customized financial solutions.
Commercial customers increasingly require integrated banking services that combine traditional lending with treasury management, payment solutions, liquidity management, and digital banking capabilities.
BankUnited aims to strengthen these offerings while continuing to provide personalized relationship banking supported by experienced commercial bankers.
Loar’s leadership is expected to help the organization expand these capabilities while maintaining disciplined portfolio management and strong credit quality.
BankUnited, N.A. is one of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida and operates as a national bank serving customers across multiple states.
The bank maintains operations throughout Florida, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Morristown, New Jersey, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Its broad portfolio of financial products and services supports individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations, institutional clients, and commercial real estate investors.
The bank offers consumer banking, commercial lending, treasury management, wealth management, business deposits, residential lending, and various specialized financial services designed to address diverse customer needs.
The addition of Chad Loar to BankUnited’s executive leadership team represents an important investment in the future of the bank’s commercial banking business.
His extensive experience, proven leadership capabilities, and strong record of community engagement position him to guide the next phase of commercial banking growth across the organization’s expanding regional footprint.
As businesses continue seeking experienced financial partners capable of delivering strategic advice alongside comprehensive banking solutions, BankUnited expects Loar’s leadership to strengthen its competitive position while deepening relationships with commercial clients.
By combining experienced leadership, disciplined growth strategies, customer-focused service, and continued investment in commercial banking capabilities, BankUnited is positioning itself to capture new opportunities while supporting the long-term success of businesses throughout the markets it serves.
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