Umpqua Bank announced the hiring of Tory Nixon as executive vice president, head of commercial banking. In this new role, he will oversee the company’s commercial lending division, focusing specifically on commercial and industrial lending in the middle market segment. Nixon will report to the president of commercial banking, Cort O’Haver.

“Tory brings terrific lending experience that will be instrumental in advancing Umpqua’s growth in the fast-growing markets Umpqua serves,” said O’Haver. “Tory’s leadership and expertise in key segments will allow us to build on the strength of Umpqua’s commercial pipeline and teams, as we continue to enhance our business and commercial banking platforms.”

Nixon brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking and financial industry to his role at Umpqua. Previously, he served as division president and managing director for California Bank & Trust in San Diego and Northern California. Nixon also served as the executive vice president and COO for the San Diego International Sports Council, hosting sporting events in the community to ignite economic development.

Nixon played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1985-1989 and was a member of the Super Bowl XXIII Championship team.