San Francisco’s Union Bank has recruited Linda Phu from First Republic Bank as a vice president and relationship manager for its private bank.

Prior to joining Union Bank, Ms Phu had been a managing director for First Republic Bank and a vice president for Wells Fargo Private Client Services, serving as a relationship manager for high net worth clients with both firms. Her career also includes having been a vice president for Citibank Private Bank in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines.

“Linda’s extensive experience in private banking and relationship management, along with her understanding of international markets, will be a great asset to the private bank,” said Union Bank executive vice president Mary Curran, head of the private bank.

Union Bank is the primary subsidiary of UnionBanCal Corporation, which in turn is ultimately owned by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. At the end of March 2009, UnionBanCal had assets totalling $68.7 billion.