Exclusive: PNC Private Bank wants growth in North Florida and chose a new leader to capture it (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — To PNC Private Bank, Jacksonville is a defining market in Florida. As the organization charts a path in the wake of the region’s growing wealth market, a new face will pilot its trip toward that next growth horizon.
Kevin Brubaker has been appointed North Florida market leader, PNC exclusively told the Business Journal, rising to the top nearly two decades after he first joined the private bank.
Most recently serving as relationship strategist director, the primary point of contact to high net worth individuals and families, Brubaker will now lead strategy across the Jacksonville, Gainesville and Daytona Beach metro areas.
“Kevin’s appointment reflects the strength of our internal talent and the exceptional leadership pipeline we have built across our team,” said Lisa Simington, executive vice president and head of U.S. Markets for PNC Private Bank. “His experience working with business owners, executives and multigenerational families, combined with his understanding of the North Florida market, will be instrumental as we continue expanding our presence across the region.”
A University of Pittsburgh graduate, Brubaker relocated with his family from Pennsylvania to Ponte Vedra Beach last year. He originally joined the private bank in 2007. PNC is headquartered in Pittsburgh.
Florida at-large is a high priority for PNC, Simington previously told the Business Journal. Five years ago, the private bank established itself in Jacksonville following its $11.6 billion acquisition of BBVA, USA .
The North Florida region has been a consistent hotbed of population growth, corporate relocations, business sales and wealth migrations. That has fueled a drive in demand for sophisticated wealth management services, which Brubaker will head up for PNC.
Many private bank clients come from PNC’s commercial and corporate banking clients, Simington said, particularly when business owners sell or recapitalize their companies.
Growth, combined with the region’s business diversity, has helped shape a more competitive market for financial firms, private bankers and clients on the First Coast.
“We are thrilled to see Kevin step into this new leadership role for our region,” said Chris Kalin, PNC’s North and Central Florida regional president. “His deep wealth management expertise, strong client relationships and firsthand understanding of the opportunities that make this market so attractive position him well to lead our Private Bank team and help clients achieve their long-term financial goals.”