The past year has been one of nearly unprecedented challenges for the banking industry, and few institutions have emerged unchanged. For many banks, those changes start at the top.

From small community banks to global financial behemoths, many have new chief executives, presidents and regional managers some promoted from within, others poached from the competition.

So this year the Business Journal in its annual Who’s Who in Banking special report spotlights the industry’s new leadership in Los Angeles. Fourteen local executives speak about their careers, business goals and the prospects for the industry. They were chosen by the newspaper’s editorial department based on their prominence in the L.A. banking community.

Also, the report looks back at some of the more prominent local executives who have left their positions.