OREANDA-NEWS. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced today that banking industry veteran Kyle Hranicky has been appointed the new head of the Wells Fargo Corporate Banking group, effective immediately. Hranicky, who is based in Houston, will succeed Mike Johnson, who recently announced that he is retiring after 32 years with the company. He will report directly to Tim Sloan, the head of Wholesale Banking at Wells Fargo.

“Over the past 10 years, under Kyle’s leadership, the Wells Fargo Energy Group has become a market leader by establishing a successful reputation focused on industry knowledge, long-term relationships, and consistently providing capital through all cycles,” stated Sloan. “He is an example of the deep bench strength that exists in our organization, and I am confident that he will lead our Corporate Banking group toward strategic growth opportunities and long-term success.”

Hranicky has led the Wells Fargo Energy Group within Corporate Banking since 2006. Previously, he was a regional manager within Loan Syndications, part of Wells Fargo’s Debt Capital Markets business.  Hranicky joined Wells Fargo in 1995 in Commercial Banking, where he held various roles.

Bart Schouest, who has served as the deputy group head of the Wells Fargo Energy Group since 2012, will replace Hranicky as head of the Energy Group. He joined as the result of Wells Fargo’s acquisition of BNP Paribas’ North American energy business and was instrumental in leading the successful integration of the two teams. Additionally as deputy group head, Schouest oversaw the growth of the Energy Group’s Oil & Gas Division and Large Corporate Energy and Power Division. He will report directly to Hranicky.

“I am excited to take on this new role,” stated Hranicky. “Wells Fargo already has a great Corporate Banking franchise thanks to tremendously talented team members throughout the business and an outstanding leadership team already in place. I am also pleased to have Bart transition to head of the Energy Group as he brings over 30 years of experience in energy finance, and established, long-standing relationships throughout the sector.”