Provident Bank Appoints Michael A. Perito as Head of Corporate Strategy

Provident Bank has appointed Michael A. Perito as SVP, Head of Corporate Strategy, bringing nearly 15 years of experience in financial services and fintech. Perito will oversee the bank's strategic plan, identify growth opportunities, and ensure alignment with its goals. He will report to EVP and Chief Accounting Officer Adriano Duarte. As the oldest community-focused financial institution in New Jersey, Provident Bank operates over 140 branches across three states.

Provident Bank, a leading community-focused financial institution based in New Jersey, has appointed Michael A. Perito as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy. This newly created role underscores the bank's commitment to strategic growth and innovation within the regional banking landscape. Perito brings nearly 15 years of experience in financial services and fintech, having previously served as Principal, Head of Bank Strategy at The Travillian Group and Managing Director, Equity Research – Banks, Financial Technology at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel Company [1].

In his new position, Perito will oversee the development and execution of Provident Bank's strategic plan, identify growth opportunities, and ensure the bank's strategy aligns with its goals. He will report to Adriano Duarte, Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. "I am thrilled to join an institution with a proven track record of excellence," Perito said in a press release [1].

Provident Bank, founded in 1839, is the oldest community-focused financial institution in New Jersey. With assets of $24.55 billion as of June 30, 2025, it operates over 140 branches across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The bank offers a wide range of customized financial solutions, including fiduciary and wealth management services through its subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through Provident Protection Plus, Inc. [2].

The appointment of Perito comes as Provident Bank and its parent company, Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), have reported strong financial results. In the second quarter of 2025, Provident Financial Services surpassed analysts’ expectations, achieving earnings per share of $0.55 and revenue of $214.17 million [3].

Adriano Duarte, Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Provident Bank, expressed his satisfaction with Perito's appointment. "His proven expertise in strategic planning and understanding of market trends will be crucial in shaping Provident's strategy to grow while continuing to deliver value for all stakeholders," Duarte said [1].

Perito holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Real Estate from Villanova University. His background includes strategic and financial planning, investor relations, corporate development, and digital strategy. Prior to joining The Travillian Group, he served as a Managing Director, Equity Research – Banks, Financial Technology at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, where he covered more than 30 fintech-enabled and regional banks [1].

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/provident-bank-appoints-michael-perito-as-head-of-corporate-strategy-93CH-4173211
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/globe-newswire/9506465/provident-bank-names-michael-a-perito-svp-head-of-corporate-strategy
[3] https://www.finopotamus.com/post/provident-bank-names-michael-a-perito-svp-head-of-corporate-strategy