Wells Fargo has tapped Howard Cohen as an executive advisor for its Commercial Banking operations in New Jersey.

Cohen, the recently retired chairman of EisnerAmper LLP, one of the nation’s largest accounting firms, has more than 40 years of experience in public accounting and consulting. In his new Wells Fargo advisory role, he will support Wells Fargo Commercial Banking’s growth strategy in the New Jersey region, with offices located in Summit, Basking Ridge, and Haddon.

“These New Jersey markets are large and growing areas for Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo,” said Toby Babeuf, regional vice president of Wells Fargo Commercial Banking in Northern and Central New Jersey. “Our middle-market customers will benefit from Howard’s expertise and experience in the region.”

Wells Fargo Commercial Banking’s growth strategy of hiring executive advisors to establish relationships and increase business began in Boston in 2013 and last year was expanded to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

The establishment of an executive advisory role for New Jersey followed the success of the model in other East Coast growth markets, according to John Manning, head of Wells Fargo Commercial Banking’s East Region. Since inception, both the New England region and Pennsylvania offices have seen a number of new opportunities for business development and growth as a result of the executive advisors. The Commercial Banking group is eyeing additional markets for expansion of this role, Manning said.

“We’ve studied the business climate throughout the region, and believe by bringing strong, strategic advisors into these key growth markets, we gain additional insight through the lens of industry veterans,” said Manning. “Our customers benefit from the seasoned business acumen of these incredibly talented local business leaders.”

Cohen is a former managing partner and CEO of Amper, Poliziner & Mattia LLP, the 14th-largest U.S. accounting firm and the leading Northeast firm. His experience includes servicing companies and organizations, both domestic and international, in professional services, retail, manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and tax-exempt industries. Cohen holds a bachelor’s degree from Rider University and a master’s degree from Pace University.

Cohen serves as treasurer and executive committee member of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is also a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA).