Citizens announced an expansion of its Private Bank in Southern California through the addition of a Los Angeles-based team and plans to open new private banking offices serving the Beverly Hills and South Bay communities. This move advances the bank’s strategy to deliver high-touch, holistic banking capabilities in regions with strong demand for customized financial services.
Relationship Manager Michele Piccirillo leads the Los Angeles team and includes relationship managers Jeremy Cramer, Lisa Lemons, Jonathan Durante, Petros Altunyan, Sarah Perahia, Jodie Weiss, Brian Litman and Mary Deckebach. The group brings extensive experience working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients across the entertainment, real estate, construction, philanthropic, and innovation sectors, with expertise in deposit strategies, strategic lending, and white-glove client service.
The expansion builds on Citizens Private Bank’s recent momentum and continued growth in California. The bank reported $12.5 billion in deposits and $5.9 billion in loans as of September 30, 2025, reflecting a growing presence and client demand across the state. The institution has been building its Southern California footprint, including the hiring of a team of twelve private bankers in 2024, led by Executive Market Director Victor Mena for Newport Beach and San Diego. The new Newport Beach office is scheduled to open in November, with the San Diego office to follow in December.
The bank also recently added a Los Angeles-based Citizens Private Wealth advisory team led by Mike Shayestehfar. This team focuses on comprehensive wealth planning that extends into retirement and estate planning, charitable giving, and multi-generational legacy strategies designed to sustain and grow wealth with long-term purpose.
Together, the new hires advance Citizens’ long-term commitment to serving clients throughout California with private banking and wealth advisory offerings delivered through deeply rooted regional teams.
KEY QUOTES
“Our clients aren’t shy to tell us what they want, and they have made it clear they would like Citizens Private Bank in Los Angeles. The addition of this highly esteemed team allows us to extend our high-touch, integrated banking capabilities to clients in the market and throughout the state. This team shares our legacy and passion for providing best-in-class client service and has a proven track record of partnering with regional real estate investors, founders and businesses. We are delighted to welcome their clients home, and I have the utmost confidence the team will uphold the extraordinary caliber of service Citizens Private Bank has become synonymous with, in California and beyond.”
Susan deTray, Head of Citizens Private Bank
“We are excited to join Citizens Private Bank at this pivotal moment of growth in the Los Angeles market and help build upon a legacy of exceptional service. Citizens’ integrated model and extensive capabilities enhance our team’s ability to provide clients with a truly holistic experience, addressing their comprehensive private banking, wealth and commercial banking needs.”
Michele Piccirillo, Relationship Manager, Citizens Private Bank
