C-Suite Leaders in Los Angeles: Visionaries Shaping the City
Los Angeles is a global hub of innovation, entertainment, and commerce, where dynamic industries intersect to create a unique, thriving economy. The city’s C-suite leaders—CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and other top executives—are at the helm, driving growth, strategic transformation, and community development. From finance and real estate to tech and entertainment, these leaders play a vital role in shaping the region’s economy and influencing broader industry trends.
This article spotlights some of Los Angeles’s most impactful C-suite leaders, their contributions, and the broader effect they have on the city’s economy and culture.
1. Kelly Coffey – CEO of City National Bank
Kelly Coffey has been CEO of City National Bank since 2019, leading one of the city’s largest financial institutions. Coffey’s leadership has seen the bank through various challenges, including economic fluctuations and industry disruptions. Notably, City National Bank has continued to expand under her guidance, deepening its role in the entertainment industry by offering financial solutions specifically tailored to entertainment clients.
In November 2023, City National Bank announced a restructuring of its leadership, with Coffey transitioning to CEO of City National Entertainment. In this new role, she focuses on supporting entertainment clients, underscoring Los Angeles’s unique position as a global entertainment capital. Coffey’s contributions highlight the adaptability of modern C-suite leaders and their capacity to pivot as market demands evolve.
2. Les Hiscoe – CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction
Les Hiscoe serves as the CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, a national construction management firm with a major footprint in Los Angeles. Hiscoe was recognized as a 2024 C-Suite Visionary by the Los Angeles Times for his significant impact in the Southern California construction sector. Hiscoe has been instrumental in overseeing key projects such as the UCLA Nimoy Theater and the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center, reflecting his commitment to developing cultural landmarks and infrastructure in the region.
Under Hiscoe’s leadership, Shawmut has expanded its focus on sustainable construction practices, aligning with Los Angeles’s push for green building initiatives. Hiscoe’s role emphasizes how C-suite leaders in the city are not only focused on business growth but also on contributing to environmentally responsible practices that align with community values.
3. Trevor M. Saliba – Founder and Managing Partner of NMS Consulting
Trevor M. Saliba is the Founder and Managing Partner of NMS Consulting, a global management consulting and strategic advisory firm headquartered in Los Angeles. In 2022, Saliba was named a CEO Visionary by the Los Angeles Times C-Suite Magazine, a recognition of his impactful leadership within the industry and the community.
NMS Consulting has been a trusted advisor to major corporations, helping them navigate challenges such as digital transformation, operational efficiency, and global expansion. Saliba’s leadership has elevated the firm’s reputation and established Los Angeles as a center for high-level strategic consulting, which continues to attract a diverse client base to the city.
4. Howard Hammond – Incoming CEO of City National Bank
Howard Hammond is set to succeed Kelly Coffey as the CEO of City National Bank. Hammond joins the bank from Fifth Third Bancorp and brings over 17 years of industry experience to his new role. His appointment is part of City National’s strategic plan to strengthen its leadership amid evolving market conditions and signals the bank’s commitment to maintaining stability and growth.
Hammond’s background in banking and finance aligns well with Los Angeles’s competitive financial services market. His experience in customer-focused strategies is expected to help City National expand its client base and foster growth within the community. Hammond’s transition to CEO is an example of the city’s ongoing efforts to adapt leadership roles to the needs of its economic landscape.
5. Chris Doll – Incoming CFO of City National Bank
Alongside Hammond’s new role, Chris Doll will step in as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at City National Bank, taking over from John Bai. Doll’s experience from Fifth Third Bancorp positions him to navigate the financial complexities of one of Los Angeles’s leading banks. His appointment highlights the importance of strategic financial management in the city’s evolving economy, where major financial institutions are increasingly tasked with supporting diverse industries, from tech to entertainment.
Doll’s role as CFO will involve streamlining financial processes, managing risk, and ensuring compliance—all critical components in a city with such a multifaceted economic environment. His leadership will likely influence how City National adapts to regulatory changes and market demands.
6. Jane Wells – CNBC Correspondent and Moderator
Jane Wells, a CNBC correspondent, plays a significant role in the Los Angeles business community by moderating discussions among top executives. As a seasoned journalist, she brings attention to local and national economic issues, particularly by leading panels at events like CSuite Focus, which brings together executives from various sectors.
Wells’s position as a moderator in Los Angeles allows her to facilitate conversations on critical topics such as economic resilience, diversity in leadership, and innovation. Her contributions go beyond journalism, helping shape the narrative around corporate leadership in Los Angeles and giving the city’s executives a platform to share their insights and influence public discourse.
7. Steve Barnard – CEO of Mission Produce
Steve Barnard is the CEO of Mission Produce, a leading global supplier of avocados headquartered in Los Angeles. Under Barnard’s leadership, Mission Produce has grown significantly, expanding operations in multiple countries and becoming a top player in the global avocado market.
Barnard’s business model emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, which align with Los Angeles’s commitment to environmental responsibility. His participation in events such as CSuite Focus highlights how leaders from diverse industries, even agriculture, are actively contributing to the city’s growth and setting standards for sustainable practices.
8. Christopher Lytton – President and COO of The Jim Henson Company
Christopher Lytton serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jim Henson Company, a Los Angeles-based entertainment company famous for creating iconic characters like The Muppets. Lytton oversees the company’s strategic direction, ensuring it continues to produce innovative and family-friendly entertainment.
Lytton’s leadership has preserved the legacy of The Jim Henson Company while guiding it through modern media challenges. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, his role at the company represents the fusion of creativity and strategy necessary to thrive in Los Angeles’s highly competitive entertainment market. Lytton has shared his insights at forums like the Corporate Leaders Roundtable, emphasizing the importance of preserving creative legacy while embracing technological advancements.
9. Joel Silva – CFO of Vallarta Supermarkets
Joel Silva is the Chief Financial Officer of Vallarta Supermarkets, a prominent grocery chain in Los Angeles that serves a large Hispanic customer base. Silva’s role involves overseeing the company’s financial strategies, optimizing operations, and supporting expansion efforts. His leadership contributes to making Vallarta Supermarkets a trusted community resource.
Silva’s contributions extend beyond finance; he is involved in initiatives that enhance Vallarta’s engagement with the communities it serves. This community-centered approach exemplifies the positive impact that CFOs and other C-suite leaders can have in connecting with and supporting local populations.
10. Joe Wender – Chairman of the Board at Arcutis Biotherapeutics
Joe Wender serves as the Chairman of the Board at Arcutis Biotherapeutics, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in treatments for medical dermatology. Wender’s leadership is instrumental in guiding the company’s strategic initiatives, focusing on innovative solutions for skin diseases. His role as chairman reflects the importance of having seasoned professionals at the helm, especially in the biopharmaceutical sector where advancements can significantly impact patient care.
Arcutis’s commitment to medical innovation is a reminder of Los Angeles’s broader role as a leader in healthcare and biotechnology. Through Wender’s leadership, Arcutis is able to attract funding, conduct advanced research, and contribute to the medical community.
Impact on Los Angeles’s Economic and Cultural Landscape
The influence of Los Angeles’s C-suite leaders extends beyond the walls of their companies. Their strategic decisions drive job creation, technological advancement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, all of which have a ripple effect on the community. Through their contributions, these leaders not only enhance their organizations’ success but also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development, supporting local economies, and championing social causes.
C-suite leaders in Los Angeles are also essential in addressing pressing issues such as housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and diversity in the workplace. Many executives actively participate in initiatives that give back to the community, helping shape a city that thrives on inclusivity and progressive values.
