Western Alliance Bank has strengthened its national commercial real estate (CRE) lending platform with the appointment of Matthew Leivian as senior managing director of the Institutional Commercial Real Estate Finance team. Based in Phoenix, Leivian will lead efforts to build and grow a high-quality institutional loan portfolio. His hiring underscores the bank's strategy to expand its presence in the institutional CRE market nationwide.

Leivian will be responsible for originating and structuring a variety of financing solutions, including construction, acquisition, bridge, and mini-permanent loans. His team will serve commercial real estate clients across the United States, focusing on delivering tailored financing options to institutional investors.

Ericka LeMaster, head of Institutional Commercial Real Estate Finance for Western Alliance, highlighted the value of Leivian's expertise. "With more than two decades of banking experience and deep roots in commercial real estate lending, Matt strengthens our ability to serve institutional clients and grow this business with discipline," LeMaster said. She noted his track record in complex transactions and industry relationships will benefit clients navigating the current market.

Leivian brings 22 years of banking experience, including 15 years dedicated to CRE lending. He previously spent nearly two decades at National Bank of Arizona, where he specialized in originating and structuring large, complex commercial real estate transactions. His work has involved collaborating with investors, developers, and owners on financing solutions secured by industrial, office, multifamily, retail, and self-storage assets.

Key Details of the Appointment

Leivian expressed confidence in Western Alliance's market position. "Western Alliance has built a strong reputation for execution and client focus in commercial real estate finance," he said. "I look forward to growing our institutional portfolio and delivering financing solutions to meet the needs of institutional real estate investors."

Western Alliance Commercial Real Estate, a national banking group within Western Alliance Bank, provides CRE and construction financing across all asset classes and markets. The bank's parent company, Western Alliance Bancorporation, holds $90 billion in assets and operates offices nationwide.

Western Alliance Bancorporation has appointed Kenneth A. Vecchione, President and Chief Executive Officer, as Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective June 10, 2026. The decision consolidates leadership roles at the bank, which has over $90 billion in assets, as it seeks to drive the next phase of its growth and evolution. Vecchione succeeds Bruce Beach, who will continue to serve as a Director and return to the role of Lead Independent Director, a position he previously held from 2010 to 2022.

The Board recognized Vecchione's stewardship in transforming Western Alliance from a small, regionally focused bank into one of the largest commercial banking companies in the U.S. during his eight-year tenure as CEO. "His stewardship has been instrumental in navigating our growth," said Beach, highlighting the CEO's role in achieving key milestones for the company.

Vecchione was appointed CEO in April 2018 after rejoining the company in July 2017 as President. He has served as a Director of Western Alliance for the past 19 years and brings 36 years of experience in executive roles at large financial institutions. In his new capacity, he aims to build upon the foundation established during the company's recent inaugural Investor Day to generate strong financial results for shareholders.

Bruce Beach returns to the role of Lead Independent Director, bringing deep institutional knowledge to the position. Don Snyder, Chair of the Board's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, expressed strong confidence in Beach's ability to provide effective oversight and support the Board's focus on performance and accountability.

Key Leadership Changes

Western Alliance Bancorporation is the parent company of Western Alliance Bank, a national bank for business with offices nationwide. The company has ranked as a top U.S. bank by American Banker and Bank Director since 2016.