Western Bancorp, a San Jose, Calif.-based provider of wholesale mortgage lending services, has continued its further expansion into the western U.S. with the opening of its western regional processing center in Rancho Cordova, Calif.
Western Bancorp says the new center will serve as the company's headquarters for production operations staff.
Sharon Bitz, head of wholesale lending, has named Michele Catoire northwest regional manager. Catoire will lead sales and the recruiting of account executives and high-performing mortgage brokers in the Pacific Northwest. Operations such as underwriting, document preparation and funding will be led by mortgage industry veteran Lynne Kielty.
"We're seeing a renaissance in wholesale lending," says Rick Soukoulis, CEO of Western Bancorp. "The mortgage industry is cyclical, and mortgage brokers are returning as an important consumer resource for loan products and industry knowledge. While some banks exit the wholesale business, we will continue to expand services for Western Bancorp's business partners throughout the western U.S."
