OneWest Bank, CIT Group Inc.'s Southern California branch bank, announced that Heather Ellison has joined the company as senior vice president and head of the retail branch banking channel. She succeeds Terri Decker, who has elected to retire in March of 2018.

In this position, Ellison will oversee OneWest Bank's 70 branch network spanning from San Diego to Ventura County and drive the retail banking strategy.  She will report to Steve Solk, president of Consumer Banking.

"We are pleased to have Heather join the team," said Solk. "Her broad experience in branch banking and the Southern California market will help us advance our consumer banking growth strategy as CIT continues its evolution and strengthens its deposit franchises."

Solk continued, "I want to thank Terri for her many contributions to CIT and our OneWest Bank franchise. She and Heather will embark on a smooth transition period over the coming months to ensure that we continue to advance our plans and service our customers."

Ellison joins CIT from JPMorgan Chase where she was most recently the Southwest regional director for consumer banking and wealth management. Prior to that position, Ellison served as market director and oversaw $3 billion in assets, including six of the company's top branches.  Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Ellison spent 14 years with Wells Fargo in several roles, including as a district manager, branch manager and financial advisor.