ASH PATEL
CHAIRMAN/CEO
COMMERCIAL BANK OF CALIFORNIA
WHY: Since taking over bank in 2013, has grown assets from $190M to more than $2.4B. Is aiming to double to $5B.
IN THE NEWS: Purchased Oakland-based Bay Community Bancorp to add $1B in assets by expanding into Northern California.
NOTABLE: Bank has deep pockets for future acquisitions because owner Alex Meruelo in April sold his Arizona Coyotes hockey league franchise for reported $1.2B.
QUOTABLE: “It’s about growth. Having a franchise in Northern California will complete our definition of a California bank.”
