Hanmi Hires Former Opus Exec for Strategy Post

Hanmi Financial in Los Angeles has hired a former executive at Opus Bank to fill a newly created strategy post.

The $4.1 billion-asset company said in a press release late Monday that it had hired Romolo Santarosa to become senior executive vice president of corporate finance and strategy. Santarosa will oversee Hanmi's corporate strategy, financial planning and corporate development activities, while providing additional leadership and experience to the bank's finance and accounting teams.

Santarosa, 58, previously served as chief operating officer at Opus Bank, where he was responsible for operational and support functions. His background also includes 11 years as chief financial officer and chief operating officer at First California Financial Group.

Hanmi recently announced plans to close four branches and open loan-production offices in Georgia and New York.