People's United Bank announced Paul Kelly has been named Regional President of Central Massachusetts, in addition to head of Business Banking in Central and Eastern Massachusetts.

Kelly has over 25 years of experience in Commercial Banking and Specialty Finance. He joined People's United from Santander Bank where he was market leader for asset based lending and previously managed teams in middle market, business banking, automotive finance, mortgage warehouse and equipment leasing.

"Paul has a diverse background as a commercial relationship manager experienced in working with businesses to help them grow," said Patrick Sullivan, Massachusetts Market President. "Paul is accomplished in developing creative approaches, resulting in solid financial solutions for various types of both small and large businesses. I am confident that he will continue to expand and deepen the bank's client relationships throughout the market while also enhancing our community involvement."

Prior to joining Santander, Kelly was Senior Vice President, New Business Development at RBS Business Capital and, previously, Vice President, Asset Based Lending at Bank Boston/Bay Bank. Kelly began his career at Fleet Bank before moving to Shawmut Bank as a field examiner.

Kelly serves on several business associations such as the Association for Corporate Growth, Commercial Finance Association and as the President of the Boston Turnaround Management Association.