Stephen M. Calk, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Chicago Bancorp, has announced that Jeffrey Walker has joined the firm as the new president of Chicago Bancorp Direct, the company's direct-to-consumer lending platform. Walker will be responsible for expanding the company's national footprint through internet lending, call centers, and strategic partner relationships. With 21 years of experience building and leading profitable mortgage businesses, Walker will be based in Chicago and will assume his new responsibilities with the firm on May 1. Most recently Walker was with CitiMortgage Inc. where he was the managing director/executive vice president of national sales and lending.
Calk, whose 15-year-old firm already has emerged as one of Illinois' largest privately held retail mortgage banks, said that Walker brings a unique perspective to the position. "His successful experience at several leading financial institutions and with a major secondary market investor, gives him an appreciation of the expectations of investors to whom Chicago Bancorp sells loans. This perspective, combined with his strong knowledge of consumer lending and dedication to the customer, makes him an excellent fit for the business model of Chicago Bancorp Direct. He's got a track record of delivering results and has a solid understanding of the full lending cycle."
While Walker will be a new partner at Chicago Bancorp, the firm's operations, strategy and vision are very familiar to him. Chicago Bancorp was one of Walker's clients while he was with CitiMortgage, Inc. Having this foundation provides him with a working knowledge of the company's business model and a respect for the professionalism, integrity and credibility in which Chicago Bancorp operates--all of which will create a natural transition for Walker to begin in the new position.
"I am proud to be joining such a well-respected, growing firm," said Walker. "I look forward to drawing upon my direct-to-consumer lending experience with top lenders to responsibly grow Chicago Bancorp's business."
For more information, visit www.chicagobancorp.com.
