IRVINE, California, February 01, 2012 – McDermott & Bull, a Southern California-based retained executive search firm, announced today the successful appointment of Mr. Eric Johnson as Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis in Irvine, California.

This executive recruiting engagement was conducted by Rod McDermott, Managing Partner of McDermott & Bull Executive Search.

Before joining Sunwest Bank, Mr. Johnson was the acting Vice President, Mortgage Controller for Pacific Mercantile Bank. As VP, he oversaw the loan servicing department and was responsible for all financial reporting for the Mortgage Division while also serving as a member of the Asset Liability Committee alongside the CEO, CFO, and the Controller for the Bank. Prior to his position with Pacific Mercantile, Mr. Johnson spent over five years with Grant Thornton as Senior – Assurance and Advisory Services.

Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting from California State University, Fullerton.

About Sunwest Bank

Sunwest Bank (www.sunwestbank.com), headquartered in Tustin, California, is the premier small and middle market business bank in Southern California. Their aim is simple – provide entrepreneurs with a banking experience akin to one found in a private banking environment. All facets of the institution, from its product offerings to its service teams, and from its banking locations to its streamlined lending process, are designed to help move small and middle market businesses forward. Sunwest Bank’s loyal customer base, which includes some of the most well-known and highly respected companies in the region, has grown due to their value-added approach to business banking.

About McDermott & Bull

McDermott & Bull, Inc. (www.mbsearch.net) is a retained executive search firm headquartered in Irvine, California. The firm serves both public and privately held clients in a variety of industries and functional areas. McDermott & Bull has developed expertise in fields including Technology, Financial Services, Energy, Manufacturing, Bio-Tech and Life Science, Retail, the Building Industry, Professional Services, and others. Founded by Rodney McDermott and Christopher Bull, the firm specializes in recruiting difficult-to-find and critical senior level talent for its clients. McDermott & Bull works with a large number of prestigious clients including Allergan, Advanced Medical Optics, Black & Decker, Harbor Freight Tools, Boeing, Aramark, Cisco Systems, Western Digital, Conexant, Google, Invitrogen, Meggitt PLC, J.F. Shea, Comerica Bank, and Union Bank.