DARREN KAUFMAN
Banking Executive
Stevenson Ranch,CA
Summary
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Director- Head of Business Banking & Mortgage Business Execution
Citibank
01.2024 - Current
- Successfully oversee a team of 60 team members focused on business segment growth, business lending product, vendor management, business execution, project and partner management, strategic initiatives and regulatory compliance.
- Business Lending Platform launched in April of 2025, the first significant transformation of Lending technology in over 10 years for Small Business. This effort to build a new lending platform included vetting of external vendor versus internal build, cost of build, return on investment, and ability to support implementation of Dodd Frank rule 1071. Post implementation has now moved to replace the current product processor and build new simplified banking products on a new platform and complete client conversion over the next 12 to 18 months.
- In the first 8 months in the role completed deep dive on technology/vendor engagement and opportunities with Mortgage Space. Developed a rigorous engagement model with vendors as well as within team on base release sustainability and error resolution. Have key documented cadence and rigors in place pre and post release to support client experience, employee ease of use and regulatory oversight.
- Within Vendor Management team have developed an end goal for spending including reduction year over year and on pace to exceed goal. Additionally looking at third party oversight and risk exceptions within the space to reduce nonmaterial work and vendor engagement. Working with team to spend more time on optimization of existing vendors and capabilities.
- Successfully worked with Head of Mortgage Business to set and execute key priorities, including tracking financials, direct and indirect expense coordination, continuity of business, senior and executive level presentations. Responsible for ensuring key project execution and successful returns, identifying capacity and expense opportunities to simplify organization. This role will manage team a small team of professionals.
- Responsible to partner with peers to identify new priorities and opportunities tied to prudent growth, reduction in operational expenses, support of fair lending and client needs, drive to improved margins and strong oversight and controls around risk mitigation.
Director-Head of Strategy, Small Business Banking
Citibank
01.2016 - 01.2024
- Successfully led the development of a multiyear investment to transform small business banking, including creation of a Profit and Loss plan, Re-organization of salesforce, replacement of all technology systems and development of new brand and value proposition.
- Drove launch of SBA Paycheck Protection program for Small Business owners, including standing up digital lending platform to meet program requirements. Partnered closely with leaders across the business to meet aggressive timelines and program requirements allowing over 50,000 Business Owners to access funding or more than $5B.
- Acted as a conduit between senior management and internal partners to drive a balance of client excellence with franchise risk and growth opportunities. Have a team of nine high performing leaders focused on executing the strategic priorities of the business to grow balances and revenue across deposit, lending, and cash management. Heavily engaged in all aspects of credit and operational risk related to Small Business and act as Fair Lending champion for the business.
- Annually in charge of prioritization of investment and book of work for small business, including solidifying costs and return of investment for key projects balanced against execution risk and regulatory/compliance needs.
Director-Division Sales Manager, Small Business
Citibank
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Successfully oversaw sales and service performance of the Small Business team across Southern California Branch Network. Relentless focus on pipeline and sales process management, whereby activities and effectiveness drove results to include weekly in person coaching sessions with Business Bankers. Top 15% across the bank footprint include increasing Lending Production by 10% and Business Deposits by 20%, as well as improved client experience scores by 3% annually.
- Developed and maintained strong partnerships with Branch Network, Segment Partners, and Credit Center, through networking, attendance at meetings, communicating small business results and providing recognition.
- Escalated insights from local market intelligence, customer trends, and competitor data to senior leaders to identify and execute strategic opportunities to gain ground on the competition.
Director-Area Manager
Citibank
01.2008 - 01.2013
- In 2012, the successful opening of the first Flagship Location for Citibank in Westwood, Ca with initial balances of $18MM through focused activities, strategic hiring, and strong presales activity.
- Focused on acquisition, deepening and retention through client excellence, employee development, strong sales culture, and operational integrity across 18 branches within the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Annually was able to exceed sales targets including consumer and small business lending, deposits as well as balance a strong operational foundation to minimize franchise risk.
- Collaborated successfully with Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Home Lending and Personal Wealth to drive revenue and deposits through local marketing events, as well as performance and pipeline reviews. Heavily engaged in community events as well to promote Citibank’s products and services to the needs of our local community in organizations such as LA Chamber of Commerce, Korean Youth Development, Bank works and Junior Achievement.
Previous Roles
Citibank
01.1997 - 01.2013
- Division Sales Manager, Citi at Work, Citibank, Glendale, Ca
- Branch Manager, Citibank, Escondido, Ca
- Branch Manager, Business Development Office, Wells Fargo Bank, San Diego, Ca
Education
Graduate School of Retail Banking -
Consumer Bankers Association
Greenville, SC07.2011
Master’s in Business Administration - undefined
California State University San Marcos
05.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA05.1997
Skills
- Project execution management
- Team leadership
- Organizational growth strategies
- Business strategy development
- Clear verbal communication
- Change implementation strategies
- Strategic networking skills
- Development of strategic initiatives
- Strategic decision-making
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteHybridRemoteImportant To Me
Company CultureCareer advancementWork-life balance401k matchLanguages
English
Timeline
Director- Head of Business Banking & Mortgage Business Execution
Citibank
01.2024 - Current
Director-Head of Strategy, Small Business Banking
Citibank
01.2016 - 01.2024
Director-Division Sales Manager, Small Business
Citibank
01.2013 - 01.2016
Director-Area Manager
Citibank
01.2008 - 01.2013
Previous Roles
Citibank
01.1997 - 01.2013
Master’s in Business Administration - undefined
California State University San Marcos
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California San Diego
Graduate School of Retail Banking -
Consumer Bankers Association
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