California Bank & Trust (CB&T), a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A., has appointed Michael MacDonald as President. He will report to CEO Eric Ellingsen and oversee CB&T's Commercial, Corporate and Specialty Industry banking businesses.
MacDonald will continue to lead Zions Capital Markets and to serve on the Executive Management Committee of Zions Bancorporation. The bank said this dual role reinforces its ability to combine relationship-driven regional banking with sophisticated, institutional-scale capital solutions.
EXPERIENCE BUILT INSIDE THE GROUP
MacDonald built CB&T's Power & Project Finance practice before expanding Zions Capital Markets into a nationally competitive platform. The bank said that background brings the expertise needed to deliver sophisticated financial solutions and accelerate growth for clients across California.
Zions Capital Markets conducts the capital markets and investment banking activities of Zions Bancorporation, N.A., and its divisions and subsidiaries. These include Zions Direct, Inc., a member of FINRA and SIPC.
STRATEGY AND MARKET EXPANSION
MacDonald will work closely with the leadership team on the bank's broader strategic execution and market expansion across California. The appointment comes as CB&T seeks to expand its market presence across the state.
CB&T provides commercial and consumer banking services across California. It says local decision-making backed by regional strength allows its bankers to provide personalised solutions that go beyond what traditional banks offer.
SCALE AND STANDING OF THE BANK
Headquartered in San Diego, CB&T has been operating for more than 70 years. It holds more than $15 billion in loans and $16 billion in deposits, with more than 80 branch and office locations in the state, and it operated 77 branches across California at 31 December 2025.
Based on domestic deposit market share, CB&T ranked as the 13th largest full-service commercial bank in California. Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards have recognised it for Middle-Market and Small Business banking.
San Diego Union-Tribune readers have voted CB&T "Best Bank" for 16 consecutive years, and it has been named "Best Commercial Bank" for 13 consecutive years. It has also won "Best Bank" in The Orange County Register and Sacramento Bee readership polls, and "Best Bank" and "Best Place to Work" in the Best of Desert Community's Choice Awards.
RECENT LEADERSHIP CHANGES AT ZIONS
Zions Bancorporation has promoted chief financial officer Paul Burdiss to succeed A. Scott Anderson as president and CEO of its bank unit. Anderson is retiring in April after more than 25 years in the job. Ryan Richards, the parent company's corporate controller, will replace Burdiss as chief financial officer.