City National has named a new leader to drive its East Coast private client expansion, having promoted its former New York-based head.

City National Bank, the private and business bank, has recruited Brandon Williams to lead and expand its private client services division in New York. 

Williams replaces Scott Witter, who has been promoted to executive vice president. Witter heads City National’s branch and small business division and will relocate to Los Angeles.

Williams spent the past 14 years building and leading teams at TD Bank in New York – most recently in wealth management. He also led the retail build-out of TD Bank (formerly Commerce Bank) in New York City and was the chief of staff to the chief executive and president.

In his new role at City National, he reports to Michael Pagano, division head of private client services. 

The New York team provides advice and services in investment management, credit, depository and cash management, wealth planning and trust services to high net worth families, non-profit organizations and professional services firms.

City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada; RBC acquired the firm in November last year – click here for an interview on the move.