BANKING/FINANCE : National Bank of Southern California Names Executive VP as New President

Mark H. Stuenkel has been named president of National Bank of Southern California, a Santa Ana bank that saw its assets increase nearly 45% in the last year.

Stuenkel, who was the bank’s executive vice president, took over a position relinquished by William H. Jacoby, who remains as the bank’s chairman and chief executive.

“We’ve been expanding rapidly, and we’re continuing to expand,” Jacoby said. “So we needed to broaden the management base. It was nice to have a guy who has been with us since we opened in 1982 ready to take over.”

Stuenkel, who had been promoted through the ranks, will continue with some of his most recent duties. His position as executive vice president was eliminated, Jacoby said.

Stuenkel of Diamond Bar had worked at Security Pacific National Bank for 8 years before joining National Bank of Southern California.

The new executive post will free Jacoby to spend more time on policy matters and growth plans, including future acquisitions.

Last year, the bank acquired Pacific Regency Bank in El Toro, which had exhausted its capital after constant losses over its 4-year existence.

Jacoby said National Bank ended the year with nearly $200 million in assets; it had $137.2 million in assets a year earlier.