THE of Greek origin, Tim Mayopoulos, takes over the position of CEO at Silicon Valley Bank after the bank collapsed and the directors and his predecessor, Greg Becker, were fired.

Upon taking up the new position, Tim Mayopoulos sent an email to reassure the bank’s customers that business was continuing as normal despite the “extremely difficult» last days.

“Silicon Valley Bank, NA is open and conducting business as usual» he characteristically wrote.

“We are here to serve you. I recognize that the past few days have been an extremely difficult time for our customers and our employees, and we are grateful for the support of the amazing community we serve.” completed the new CEO and added: “From today I assume the duties of CEO in the company.”

He also added that he takes on the role with “humility”, “experience” and “valuation of the innovation economy”.

Who is Tim Mayopoulos?

Timothy J. Mayopoulos was born on March 7, 1959 to Harry B. Mayopoulos and his wife Eleanor Ida Mayopoulos. His father was an aeronautical engineer, union worker and member of the United Auto Workers. His mother worked part-time in a department store chain.

Tim earned a BA in English from Cornell University in 1980 and earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1984.

Mayopoulos has experience in both crisis-hit financial institutions and technology. He joined Fannie Mae in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and rose to become chairman and CEO, returning the company to profitability.

Mayopoulos left in 2018 and in January 2019 joined technology company Blend, which provides cloud-based software to enable banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers and other companies to process billions of dollars of mortgage and consumer banking transactions daily.

He was also general counsel at Bank of America and also worked at Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse First Boston and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.

Mayopoulos was recognized in the first category of “Legends in Law” at the Burton Awards in 2007, and in 2011, he was named one of the 500 most influential lawyers in the United States by Lawdragon. Mayopoulos also received Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Award for Highest Rated CEO in 2017.

Mayopoulos was married to Amy Lefkof and they have two children.