Dhruv Patel, the former director of investor relations and a long-time executive at the Council for Entrepreneurial Development, is formally announced as a vice president at Square 1 Bank.
Square 1, which is now part of Pacific Western Bank, has formally announced Patel as one of two new executives to its east coast “banking team.” Patel announced his departure from CED last October.
Patel is a vice president on the Southeast banking team.
Also joining Square 1 is Kevin Johnson, a 13-year venture banking veteran who is the new managing director of its Mid-Atlantic region.
“Having built my career on connecting entrepreneurs in the Southeast with resources needed to grow their businesses, and developing relationships with national firms and investors, I am excited to join the Square 1 team and partner with others who share my commitment to bringing attention to the Southeast as an important center of activity for high-growth companies,” said Patel in the announcement. “The entrepreneurial spirit and momentum is strong in markets throughout the region and I look forward to continuing to make connections and adding value to the venture space.”
Patel received an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from Mumbai University.
“The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic are important markets for us,” said Mara Huntington, the managing director of Square 1’s East Banking team, in a statement. “We are excited to welcome Kevin and Dhruv to Square 1 as we continue our efforts to make new connections and deepen existing relationships throughout the markets they’ll cover. Their expert knowledge of the ecosystems and expansive, national networks will provide value for clients and prospects alike.”
