Former SunTrust executives join Wells Fargo’s commercial banking division

Two former SunTrust Bank executives have joined Wells Fargo’s commercial banking division in Richmond.

In addition, the bank has established a commercial banking office in Fredericksburg.

Wells Fargo Commercial Banking has hired Thomas Palmer, a former executive vice president at SunTrust, as senior vice president and regional manager for the Richmond area.

Also joining Wells Fargo’s Richmond office is Brian Combs, a former SunTrust senior vice president. He will serve as senior vice president and senior relationship manager.

Palmer worked at SunTrust Bank and predecessor companies for 20 years, most recently serving as executive vice president and group head for middle market banking.

He is a board member of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as vice chairman of finance.

Combs, a 14-year banking veteran in the region, was senior vice president of the corporate banking group at SunTrust.

The new commercial banking office in Fredericksburg will serve middle market customers. Dermaine Lewis, an 11-year Wells Fargo employee, has been tapped to lead the Wells Fargo office at 1671 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 202.

In related news, the company announced last week that it has established an Eastern region hub for its National Food & Agribusiness Division. It will serve the U.S. east of the Mississippi River, including the Central Virginia market.

Wells Fargo Commercial Banking serves middle market businesses with annual sales above $20 million.