Dallas-based Veritex Community Bank, which specializes in providing depository and credit services to small to mid-sized businesses, has appointed William Ray Jr. as executive vice president/managing director for middle-market banking, Brent Reed as executive vice president/director of commercial real estate and Will Richardson as executive vice president/private banking. All three are joining from Bank of Houston, where they held senior-level positions.
Ray joins the company with more than 18 years of banking experience and a robust background in building and managing banking teams focused on core C&I banking in the Houston area. Notably, he spent 14 years at Amegy Bank as a commercial banking manager in Houston.
“Given the recent merger disruptions in the Houston market and the strong base of locally owned commercial businesses, there is a true need for a bank that provides relationship-based solutions to middle-market companies,” says Jon Heine, Houston market president. “Hiring an experienced leader like William to lead this segment is a natural evolution for Veritex Bank in our mission to become the premier Texas banking franchise.”
Reed, a Houston native, also brings 18 years of banking experience, providing financing solutions to commercial real estate clients. CRE continues to be a core strategy at Veritex Bank, representing approximately 45 percent of its total loan portfolio.
“We are excited to add more strength to this already well-established line of business at Veritex Bank,” Heine notes. “Brent’s reputation and experience in handling sophisticated credit financings across a myriad of CRE product types will keep Veritex Bank well positioned in the market for many years to come.”
With tenures at Bank of Houston and Frost Bank, Richardson brings a unique skillset of providing services to local professionals and executives.
“Our private banking group has experienced incredible growth over the past two years. Will’s commitment to the community and specialization in the attorney and professional services field creates another avenue for growth within this vertical at Veritex Bank,” Heine adds.
“Veritex Bank has been known for attracting the best talent in the industry, and, once again, we are adding new team members that will make meaningful contributions,” says Malcom Holland, chairman and CEO.
Since Veritex Community Bank committed to the growth of the Houston market in 2019, it has added a private banking department, relocated its Houston headquarters to Village Towers and committed to sponsoring the Texas Southern University commercial banking program.
Established in 2004, Veritex Community Bank operates branch locations in Houston, Fort Worth and Dallas with total assets of more than $8 billion.
