John Sotoodeh

Regional President, Wells Fargo Los Angeles Metro Community Banking

Wells Fargo & Co., L.A. office

Appointed January 2009

Age: 38

Education: Bachelor’s, San Jose State

University; Pacific Coast Banking School

Previous Position: Regional president, Wells Fargo Community Banking Southern

California Region, 3 years

Current Duties: Responsible for 5,200 team members, and 265 banking stores in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and western San Bernardino counties

Challenges: Our customers, communities and team members need us now more than ever. We have to be there to provide advice, be a

pillar of strength and be compassionate about what is happening around us.

What’s Wrong With Banking Now: Lack of trust by the public in banks. Our business is a business of trust. Trust is earned through relationships and believing that the organization is looking out for your best interest.

What’s Right: Most of what we hear every day is negative about banks. However, there are positive things going on in the financial industry. For example, since credit began contracting 18 months ago, Wells Fargo has made almost half a trillion dollars in new loan commitments and mortgage originations.

I Decided to Be a Banker Because: My passion is people. Whether it is helping customers buy their first car, first home, saving for retirement, take that big trip of a lifetime or saving for their kid’s education.

What Surprised Me About Banking: It’s fun. Every day is different; every day is special. Our business is a people business. Every person is unique with unique needs.

Best Career Decision: Making the tough decision to change from an engineering career to a banking career allowed me to use my math, science skills and people skills.

If I Were Not a Banker I Would Be: A coach. I’ve helped as an assistant football coach for my kids along with other sports over the years.