The Journey of Robert Faver: A Leader in Banking Transitioning from UMB Bank to Sunwest Bank

Introduction

Robert Faver UMB has been a monetary area pioneer for over thirty years. As Sunwest Bank’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Commercial Banking, Faver—who is renowned for his leadership in credit management and commercial banking—has taken on a major role. As the former President of UMB Bank’s Arizona region, he cultivated strong client relationships and business expansion, earning him a reputation for being well-liked in the state’s banking sector. This article discusses Sunwest Bank’s leadership philosophy, early career, educational background, and future.

Early Career and Education

Robert Faver UMB financial career took an unexpected turn. He was raised as a farmer’s kid, far away from the banking industry. But his desire of study took him in a different direction. He started working at Bank One to assist pay for his MBA studies while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance at Arizona State University. His enthusiasm for financial services was sparked by this banking experience, which eventually helped him launch a prosperous banking career.

Following his graduation from undergrad, Faver went on to earn an MBA, providing him with even more advanced instruction in finance and business administration. His achievements in school allowed him to advance in the banking industry and take on more important roles and responsibilities throughout the course of his career.

Who is Robert Faver?

Robert Faver is now Sunwest Bank’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Commercial Banking, a position that grants him control over the bank’s lending and sales tactics in many states. Faver worked as the President of the Arizona area at UMB Bank for 13 years before to joining Sunwest Bank. His 14-year tenure with M&I Bank, where he earned expertise as a commercial and agricultural banker, preceded his employment at UMB Bank. Prior to moving into agricultural banking, he had a number of jobs at Bank One throughout the course of his career.

Professional Growth at UMB Bank

Faver’s career with UMB Bank began when he was hired in 2011 as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. His ability to manage commercial banking operations and build long-lasting connections with customers was evident very quickly. In 2013, his diligence and skill earned him a promotion to President of UMB Bank’s Arizona region. As the manager of the bank’s commercial banking activities in the state, he was responsible for overseeing the company’s growth, maintaining its long-term clients, and initiating development plans.

UMB Bank’s market share increased in Arizona under Faver’s direction, making the bank a competitive force in the area. During the COVID-19 epidemic, he led the team in negotiating the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and helped several companies acquire finance to weather the economic collapse. His actions were particularly significant in this regard.

Leadership Style and Philosophy

Faver’s approach to leadership is based on developing sincere connections. Even while technology is a necessary tool for modern company, in his opinion, in-person contacts still have a greater value than any technology. His strategy places a premium on interpersonal ties in banking, pushing his staff to make in-person interactions a top priority in order to forge closer bonds with customers.

The best way to characterize his leadership style is as “servant leadership,” which centers on using empathy and strategic direction to empower his team and serve clients. According to him, successful banking includes more than just offering financial goods; it also entails forming connections with clients based on trust and educating them. Faver’s strategy was tested during the pandemic, when the value of relationship-centric banking was shown by his team’s capacity to assist clients with the PPP loan procedure.

Community Involvement and Personal Values

Robert Faver has a strong sense of community service outside of his work life. His love for education and the arts is evident in his service on the boards of the Phoenix Art Museum and Teach for America in Phoenix. Because of his affiliation with these groups, he is able to support programs that advance cultural enrichment and educational equity in the area.

Additionally, Faver maintains a high standard of ethics in all of his undertakings, personal and professional. He is devoted to leaving a lasting legacy as a person who upholds moral principles, is devoted to his family, and contributes positively to the society. Both successes and setbacks have characterized his personal life, including many back operations that precluded him from playing tennis, a sport he cherished. But he found satisfaction in imparting his enthusiasm to the next generation by teaching his daughter tennis.

The Transition from UMB Bank to Sunwest Bank

Faver’s move to Sunwest Bank from UMB Bank represents a major change in his professional trajectory. Following several years of leading UMB and contributing to the expansion of the bank’s Arizona footprint, Faver has decided to start a new chapter in his career by accepting a senior position with Sunwest Bank. With its main office in Sandy, Utah, Sunwest Bank has been making headway in developing states like Arizona, where it faces tough competition from bigger players like Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase.

Sunwest Bank is taking a calculated risk by adding seasoned experts like Faver to bolster its commercial banking division. The bank will greatly benefit from Faver’s vast experience in credit management, risk assessment, and relationship-building as it looks to set itself apart with individualized service and in-depth knowledge of the local market.

The Journey of Robert Faver: From M&I Bank to UMB Bank

Faver started his career as a commercial and agricultural banker with M&I Bank, where he worked for 14 years, prior to joining UMB Bank. This experience gave him extensive understanding of the financial sector and set a strong basis for his future leadership positions. He held a number of jobs at Bank One during his early career, where he was able to have a thorough grasp of banking operations.

A major turning point in his career came in 2013 when he was promoted to President of UMB Bank Arizona. The bank enjoyed growth in market share and a more robust presence in the area under his direction. His team’s assistance of the PPP loan procedure in 2020, a federal relief program intended to help businesses keep their workers throughout the epidemic, was one of his most noteworthy accomplishments at this period. Faver’s advice was invaluable in helping companies get the money they needed to maintain operations.

Contributions and Achievements at UMB Bank

Personalized banking services are something that Faver has continuously championed during his tenure at UMB Bank. He placed a great emphasis on in-person contacts since he thought they were crucial to building trusting bonds and retaining customers. His work was especially important in tough times like the COVID-19 epidemic to assist the bank increase its market share in Arizona.

Faver’s strategic leadership and commitment to providing excellent customer service were demonstrated by his ability to assist clients in navigating the PPP financing procedure. His strategy not only assisted companies in obtaining necessary funding, but it also strengthened UMB Bank’s standing as a dependable and customer-focused organization.

Strategic Expansion at Sunwest Bank

Sunwest Bank’s decision to bring Faver on board aligns with its broader strategy to enhance commercial banking capabilities and expand its reach in key markets. The bank’s leadership, including CEO Eric Hovde, recognizes the importance of attracting experienced professionals who can drive growth and innovation.

Faver’s appointment coincides with other strategic hires, such as Kevin Cutter, who joined as Senior Vice President and Regional President of Arizona’s commercial banking division. Sunwest Bank is in a strong position to grow its market share under Faver and Cutter’s leadership, particularly in cutthroat regions like Maricopa County.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While Faver’s addition to Sunwest Bank’s leadership team is a significant win, it also presents challenges. The Arizona banking market is highly competitive, with major players holding a substantial share. For Sunwest to carve out a niche, it will need to offer innovative banking solutions and quickly adapt to changing customer needs.

Moreover, Faver’s experience during the PPP process has provided him with valuable insights into navigating regulatory landscapes and supporting businesses during economic uncertainty. These insights could prove beneficial as Sunwest Bank continues to expand its commercial banking division.

A Legacy of Leadership at UMB Bank

Faver’s career milestones include 13 years with UMB Bank, where he served as the President of the Arizona Region. Under his leadership, UMB Arizona’s assets skyrocketed from $75 million to over $2.1 billion. His contributions there included expanding UMB’s market presence and solidifying the bank’s role in regional commercial banking. Faver previously worked with M&I Bank for 14 years in commercial and agricultural banking, and he began his career at Bank One.

Future of UMB Bank Arizona

With Faver’s departure, UMB Bank faces the challenge of finding a successor who can build on the foundation he established. The bank has not yet announced a new market president for Arizona, leaving a gap in leadership that will need to be addressed to maintain momentum. This transition presents an opportunity for UMB to bring in new leadership with fresh ideas while continuing the legacy that Faver helped shape.

Conclusion

The career shift of Robert Faver from UMB Bank to Sunwest Bank is noteworthy and reflects larger shifts in the banking sector, where skilled leadership is essential for navigating cutthroat marketplaces. In addition to being a personal accomplishment, his new position as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Commercial Banking at Sunwest Bank is a calculated move made by the bank as it looks to improve its skills and broaden its clientele.

Faver’s in-depth familiarity with the Arizona market, proficiency in credit management, and dedication to relationship-based banking will be invaluable as he starts this new chapter. The challenges facing Sunwest Bank and UMB Bank in the future will be adjusting to changing consumer demands and utilizing executive transitions to spur expansion and innovation.

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