First Foundation announced the appointment of Stuart Bernstein as Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer of FFB, effective Aug. 11, 2025. In this role, Bernstein will oversee FFB’s consumer services, business banking and private client strategy.

“We are pleased to welcome Stuart to First Foundation’s executive leadership team,” said Thomas C. Shafer, CEO of First Foundation Inc. “His extensive experience leading multi-billion-dollar banking operations, along with a consistent focus on talent development and client engagement, makes him ideally suited to drive the next phase of our banking evolution.”

Bernstein brings over 25 years of leadership experience across consumer banking, wealth management and lending. Most recently, he served as Head of Branch and Private Client at Santander Bank, where he led a network of 500 branches across eight states, managed over $40 billion in deposits and $15 billion in client assets, and directed teams spanning financial advisory, mortgage and private client channels.

“There’s no easing in. I’m joining a team that’s navigating change with purpose, and I’m here to accelerate that momentum from day one,” said Bernstein.

Prior to Santander, Bernstein spent over a decade at MUFG Union Bank, serving in executive roles including Head of Private Banking and Investment Sales, Head of Residential Lending and Head of Branch and Private Banking. His responsibilities included leading high-performing teams, launching digital banking initiatives and managing portfolios exceeding $35 billion. He began his career at Wells Fargo and Bank of America in regional and national leadership roles. Bernstein holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.