#USA #Cleveland #KeyBank #Family Office #Ward Nixon

KeyBank Expands Family Office Banking Team

In a strategic move to deepen its commitment to the middle market, KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) has introduced a new family office and private capital banking team. This team, comprised of five seasoned professionals, will operate under the leadership of Ward Nixon, who will serve as the Commercial Leader at KeyBank's office in Overland Park, Kansas.

A Response to Market Trends

This development reflects the changing dynamics within the financial landscape, where family offices and private equity firms are playing increasingly significant roles in ownership, capital deployment, and decision-making processes. KeyBank aims to stand out from the competition by offering an integrated approach to family office banking, fostering seamless collaboration instead of a disjointed experience for clients.

Ken Gavrity, President of Key Commercial Bank, emphasized the importance of this strategic investment: "We are deliberately building capabilities that mirror how our clients conduct their business. Family offices are critical players in the capital landscape and require sophisticated banking solutions that marry capital markets, commercial banking, and wealth advisory services."

Meet the New Team Members

The formation of this team enhances KeyBank's national reach, working alongside its regional private capital bankers. This structure allows for a comprehensive service model, addressing three critical areas: direct investments, sponsor relationships, and wealth management for principals and their families.

Joining Ward Nixon on this team are:

• - Andrew Hendricks: A Senior Relationship Manager with over 13 years of experience in assisting private equity and family office clients across various sectors and capital structures.
• - Chris Tallent: A Senior Payments Advisor with nearly 25 years in commercial banking, specializing in treasury operations and payments strategy.
• - Judy Evans: A Senior Commercial Analyst and Certified Treasury Professional, bringing extensive knowledge in treasury management and risk assessment.
• - Adam Hazlett: An Associate Portfolio Manager with expertise in complex financial transactions from his previous roles at Deloitte and a middle-market private equity firm.

The KeyBank Difference

Nixon will report to Chris Doyle, who oversees private capital strategy for Key Commercial Bank, further asserting KeyBank's commitment to enhancing its services in this space. "Family offices are among the most advanced and rapidly growing sectors within middle market banking," Gavrity noted. "Our complete suite of services is attracting both talented professionals and clients seeking a true banking partner rather than merely a lender. This is what distinguishes Key Commercial Bank in the marketplace."

KeyCorp Overview

KeyCorp, founded over 200 years ago in Albany, New York, is a major financial services institution based in Cleveland, Ohio. With assets totaling about $184 billion as of December 31, 2025, KeyBank operates approximately 950 branches and 1,200 ATMs across 15 states, offering a variety of financial solutions including investment services, lending, and cash management.

For additional details or to explore their capabilities further, visit KeyBank's website. Editorial discretion may apply on certain disclosures, and all banking products are subject to credit approval.