Movers & Shakers: Keith Kobata, Tom Im & Dave DeRose

April 23, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Keith Kobata, Tom Im & Dave DeRose

Keith Kobata Joins U.S. Bank to Lead Bay Area Market

U.S. Bank has appointed seasoned banking executive Keith Kobata as Branch Banking Market Leader for the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a significant leadership addition in one of the nation’s most competitive financial markets.

Kobata brings more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry, most recently spending 31 years at Wells Fargo where he held a series of senior leadership roles. His tenure included overseeing large-scale branch networks, leading regional growth strategies, and managing teams of more than 1,000 employees across Southern California. His background spans consumer, small business, and affluent banking, with a consistent focus on performance, customer experience, and talent development.

In his new role at U.S. Bank, Kobata is responsible for driving market growth, leading branch performance, and strengthening community and client relationships throughout the Bay Area. A Bay Area native, Kobata’s return to the region adds a layer of significance to the transition.

“I’m energized to lead, to listen, and to build alongside an exceptional team as we continue to grow our impact across the region,” Kobata says on LinkedIn. He also acknowledged the influence of mentors, colleagues, and professional relationships that shaped his career, as well as the opportunity provided by U.S. Bank leadership.

Tom Im Joins The Bancorp as SBA Lender

Tom Im has joined The Bancorp as an SBA Business Development Officer. In his new role, Im is responsible for sourcing, structuring, and closing SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, with a focus on owner-occupied commercial real estate, business acquisitions, and growth financing.

Im brings extensive SBA experience, including nine years as an underwriter working on both SBA 7(a) and 504 transactions. His background includes structuring deals for secondary market sales as well as portfolio-held loans, giving him exposure to a wide range of credit profiles and servicing requirements.

Most recently, he served as a Nationwide SBA Business Development Officer at Cadence Bank, where he originated deals and supported bankers across multiple markets. Earlier in his career, he held underwriting and credit roles at Texas Capital Bank, BBVA Compass, and Bank of Texas.

Im is focused on supporting small business owners with financing solutions for startups, expansions, acquisitions, and commercial real estate, leveraging his underwriting background to provide clear guidance and efficient execution throughout the loan process.

Dave DeRose Promoted to SVP, Small Business National Sales Strategy & Transformation Leader at U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank has appointed Dave DeRose as Senior Vice President, Small Business National Sales Strategy & Transformation Leader, expanding his leadership responsibilities within the organization’s small business division.

DeRose brings more than two decades of banking experience, including over 13 years with U.S. Bank in progressively senior leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Business Segment Lending Product Leader, where he led product strategy, development, and customer experience for business banking lending solutions.

His prior roles include leading small business channel strategy and serving as Business Banking Region Leader for the West Division, where he was responsible for activating business banking initiatives across multiple states and supporting a wide range of industries.

Before joining U.S. Bank, DeRose held leadership roles at Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking Group, focusing on portfolio management, business development, and complex lending across sectors including real estate, technology, and agriculture.