Role Overview for EVP, Head of Corporate Banking with a National Bank – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for an exceptional Executive Vice President (EVP), Head of Corporate Banking for a premier, nationally recognized bank. Based in the vibrant financial hub of Chicago, IL, this is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of a critical business division. The successful candidate will assume full strategic and operational ownership of the Corporate Banking group, driving its growth, profitability, and market leadership across the nation.
This executive leadership role reports directly to the President of Commercial Banking and is a key member of the bank’s senior leadership team. You will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the bank’s overarching goals, while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and client-centricity. The Head of Corporate Banking will oversee a substantial portfolio and lead a large, geographically dispersed team of seasoned relationship managers, product specialists, and support staff. Your mandate is to expand market share, deepen relationships with large corporate clients, and ensure the delivery of sophisticated, integrated financial solutions. This position requires a leader with profound market knowledge, an extensive C-suite network, and a proven ability to navigate the complexities of a dynamic economic landscape while upholding the highest standards of risk management and regulatory compliance.
We are seeking a transformative leader who can inspire their team, build enduring client partnerships, and drive sustainable financial performance. This is more than a job; it is a chance to leave a lasting legacy on a leading financial institution and the corporate clients it serves. If you possess the strategic foresight, leadership acumen, and deep industry expertise required to excel in this pivotal role, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Head of Corporate Banking with a National Bank – Chicago, IL
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the Corporate Banking division. Identify emerging market trends, competitive threats, and growth opportunities to position the bank as a market leader. Ensure divisional strategy is fully integrated with the bank’s overall corporate objectives.
Financial Performance & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the division. Drive significant revenue growth, manage expenses, and optimize profitability. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for revenue, loan and deposit growth, cross-sell, and risk-adjusted returns.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and empower a high-performing team of banking professionals. Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture that attracts, develops, and retains top-tier talent. Implement robust training and development programs to enhance team capabilities and ensure a strong succession pipeline.
Client Relationship Management
Cultivate and maintain strong, strategic relationships with C-suite executives at key corporate clients and prospects. Act as the senior executive sponsor for the division’s most significant relationships, ensuring the highest level of client satisfaction and loyalty.
Business Development & Market Expansion
Spearhead business development efforts to acquire new large corporate clients. Build and maintain a strong brand presence for the bank in the Chicago market and other key geographies. Represent the bank at high-profile industry events, conferences, and community functions.
Credit & Risk Management
Provide ultimate oversight for the division’s credit portfolio. Ensure rigorous underwriting standards, sound credit structuring, and proactive portfolio management. Champion a strong risk culture and ensure full compliance with all internal policies, procedures, and corporate banking regulations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner effectively with leaders across other business lines, including Investment Banking, Treasury Management, Capital Markets, and Wealth Management, to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to clients and maximize enterprise-wide opportunities.
Product & Service Innovation
Stay abreast of industry innovation and client needs to guide the development and enhancement of corporate banking products and services. Work closely with product management teams to ensure the bank’s offerings are competitive and meet the evolving demands of the market.
Requirements for the EVP, Head of Corporate Banking with a National Bank – Chicago, IL
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in corporate and commercial banking, with at least 10 years in a significant senior leadership role managing a large team and a substantial P&L.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree (e.g., CFA) is strongly preferred.
Proven Leadership Acumen
A demonstrated track record of building, leading, and motivating high-performing teams. The ability to set a clear vision, inspire excellence, and foster a collaborative and accountable culture.
Deep Financial & Credit Expertise
Extensive experience in structuring and underwriting complex credit facilities for large corporate and middle-market clients. Formal credit training is essential. Deep understanding of corporate finance, capital markets, treasury management, and international banking products.
Strong Business Development Skills
A proven ‘player-coach’ with a history of driving significant business growth. Must possess an extensive and portable network of C-level contacts and centers of influence, particularly within the Chicago and Midwest markets.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and long-term, translating broad corporate goals into clear, actionable divisional plans. Experience in strategic planning, market analysis, and competitive positioning.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills. The ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including clients, employees, executive management, and the Board of Directors.
Risk Management Orientation
A thorough understanding of the banking regulatory environment and a commitment to maintaining a strong and proactive risk management framework.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual incentive bonus tied to individual and bank performance.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity-based, long-term incentive plan (e.g., restricted stock units, performance shares) to ensure alignment with long-term shareholder value.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium, low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents. Access to executive wellness programs, an employee assistance program (EAP), and other well-being resources.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and profit-sharing components. Access to a deferred compensation plan and executive financial and estate planning services.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and personal days, in addition to paid company holidays.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and leadership development. Access to executive coaching and C-suite mentorship programs.
Executive Perquisites
May include a monthly car allowance, club memberships, and a comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to lead the executive search for this pivotal role. This is a unique opportunity for a transformative banking leader to make a significant and lasting impact on a prestigious national institution. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
If you are a results-oriented and visionary executive with the qualifications and drive to lead this Corporate Banking division to new heights, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy.
