Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation Appoints Blerina Limaj as Senior Managing Director in New York

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack Private Bank & Trust have announced the addition of Blerina Limaj as Senior Managing Director and Group Director, marking a significant step in strengthening their commercial banking team in New York. Based at the Bank’s Manhattan office on 300 Park Avenue, Limaj brings a wealth of experience in commercial real estate, deposit relationship management, and leading high-performing teams. Her appointment is important because it signals Peapack Private's strategic focus on expanding its commercial banking presence in the competitive New York market, leveraging Limaj's expertise to attract and serve high-value clients in sectors like real estate that are central to the city's economy.

Limaj's career highlights include her role at Customers Bank as Senior Vice President and Group Director, where she was instrumental in building a diverse team to expand the bank’s deposit base. Her leadership at Signature Bank/Flagstar Bank further underscores her capability in managing substantial portfolios, having co-led a team that oversaw deposits exceeding $3 billion for real estate firms. This background matters because it positions Peapack Private to better compete for large-scale commercial clients, particularly in real estate, a key industry in New York City that drives significant banking activity. Her foundational experience at North Fork Bank/Capital One Bank, managing private banking relationships with assets over $1 billion, rounds out her impressive background, suggesting she can bridge commercial and private banking services to offer comprehensive solutions.

With an MBA from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Finance from Brooklyn College, Limaj's academic credentials complement her professional achievements. Her appointment is poised to enhance Peapack Private's offerings in treasury and cash management services, trade finance, and more, reinforcing the bank's commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions. The implications of this move are substantial for the New York banking landscape, as it may intensify competition among regional banks vying for commercial clients, potentially leading to more innovative and client-focused services. For businesses in the metro area, this could mean access to enhanced banking products and expertise, supporting growth and stability in a dynamic economic environment. By integrating Limaj's experience, Peapack Private aims to solidify its reputation as a trusted partner for commercial enterprises, contributing to the broader financial ecosystem of New York City.