Providence, RI Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) hired John Bunch as senior vice president, franchise banking. The commercial lender specializes in financing for the quick service restaurant market and works out of BankRI’s corporate office in downtown.

Bunch comes to BankRI having spent more than two decades as a lender in the franchise finance space. In his role, he is responsible for generating new commercial business and arranging customized financial solutions for quick service franchisees throughout the bank’s target market. He reports to Tom Fitzgerald, EVP, BankRI’s franchise banking commercial team leader.

“We have seen notable local growth in the franchising space, and adding a senior lender of John’s ability and expertise is a tremendous boost for our clients and for BankRI as a team,” said Will Tsonos, president and CEO, BankRI. 

“Most importantly, John is a trusted relationship builder who is committed to taking care of his clients’ varied banking needs so they can focus on running their business.”

Bunch holds a BA in International Relations from Colgate University. Previous to BankRI, he worked for Midcap Financial/Apollo Global Management, Inc. in senior level franchise finance positions.