Bank of the West announced several promotions and new hires supporting its growing National Banking Group in Chicago. The office, which was established in 2011, is focused on serving middle-market companies with annual revenues of $25 million or more located in the Midwest, delivering lending, capital markets, cash management, trade financing, and other solutions to those customers and their principals.

"The Chicago National Banking office has experienced strong growth since its establishment more than three years ago. During this time, Bank of the West has added a significant number of high-quality, deep relationships with middle market companies across the Midwest," said John Thurston, managing director and area manager of the bank's Commercial Coverage Group. "The addition of Michael Tams and promotion of David Shaw further demonstrates the need to support the strong growth in the market."

David Shaw was promoted to Division Credit manager for the Rocky Mountain/Midwest/East Coast region. In his new role, Shaw will manage credit approval and portfolio management for the National Banking Group offices throughout the area. Shaw has nearly 30 years of experience as a commercial banker, serving in various relationship management and credit roles with Bank of the West and other institutions, in California prior to his relocation to Chicago in 2012. Shaw holds an MBA from University of Michigan.

Michael Tams joins the team as a vice president. In his new role, Tams will provide credit support to a portfolio of national middle-market relationships domiciled in Chicago. Tams has more than 18 years of experience as a banker serving in various roles from portfolio manager and underwriter to working with businesses in the Chicago area. Most recently he was senior vice president for Wintrust Financial.

He holds a bachelor degree in Management from North Central College. He serves on the board of his township and resides with his family in Naperville, IL.

Bank of the West's Commercial Banking Group (CBG) team meets the rapidly changing needs of growing businesses with annual revenues of $25 million and higher. CBG helps businesses achieve their unique visions by delivering smart and comprehensive solutions that fuel sustainable growth. With specialized sector expertise, CBG anticipates and tackles the challenges businesses face in industries including agriculture, commercial real estate, manufacturing and religious institutions. CBG offers clients the best of both worlds: the personalized relationships and community ties of a local bank backed by the international capabilities of BNP Paribas, one of the world's strongest financial groups.