Chief Executive, President
City National Bank

Hammond was tapped to lead City National Bank in November, becoming the bank’s fifth chief executive in its 70 year history. He joined the bank, which is a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada, from Ohio-based Fifth Third Bancorp, where he served as executive vice president and head of consumer banking. Previous roles include head of Retail Banking and Brokerage, as well as serving as president and chief executive of Fifth Third Securities. Hammond now oversees approximately 6,000 employees at City National and $94 billion in assets under management. Alongside his role as chief executive, Hammond also serves on the Royal Bank of Canada’s U.S. Intermediate holding company. He began his career at Citigroup, rising the rankings from management associate to leading Citigroup Investment Services’ largest investment group. Hammond earned a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany, and an MBA at Wagner College.

What’s the best advice you ever got?
Don’t overcomplicate things. Keep it simple.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
I’d like to one day walk the Appalachian Trail.

What was your first car?
A Monte Carlo.

Like to have it back?
Definitely not!

What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles?
I love the weather and the scenery — and of course, the people. I joined City National last November and I’m still relatively new to LA, but the people I’ve met, including my colleagues and City National clients, have made me feel incredibly welcome.

YEARS ON LA500: 1