OceanFirst announces senior leadership team appointments

OceanFirst Financial Corp., the holding company for OceanFirst Bank N.A., announced three members of its senior leadership team have been promoted.

The appointments will all be effective Jan. 1, 2019 and are as follows:

  • Joseph J. Lebel to chief operating officer;
  • Joseph R. Iantosca to chief information officer;
  • Michele Estep to executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

“OceanFirst has an extraordinary depth of talent at all levels of our company, including executive leadership.  I am pleased to announce our decision to appoint Joe Lebel to the expanded responsibilities of chief operating officer from his current position of chief banking officer,” Christopher D. Maher, chairman and CEO, said.

“As the bank grows, the application of technology is a significant opportunity and one of our largest priorities. With the designation of a chief information officer we will sharpen our focus on this important strategic objective and we are fortunate that Joe Iantosca, our current chief administrative officer, has the expertise to lead us in this area. Michele Estep joined the bank with the acquisition of Sun Bancorp Inc. earlier this year and in a short time has proven to be a great asset. Michele has been promoted to executive vice president and chief administrative officer, and I believe Michele with be a valuable addition to our executive management team,” he said.

The bank also announced Gary Hett, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, will be retiring, effective Dec. 31. Estep will assume responsibility for human resources.