(Dec. 5, 2019) LAREDO, Texas - Today, IBC Bank announced the retirement of Executive Vice President Guillermo R. Garcia. Garcia spent his entire 52-year career in banking with IBC Bank, beginning in December 1968 in the consumer loan department. It was in this position that he began to develop the relationships with customers for which he is so well known today. In the 1980's, he moved to the bank's international department where he used his knowledge, customer service and strong relationships in Mexico to serve clients on both sides of the border, ensuring they were able to make the most of their savings and investments. His in-depth understanding of Mexican trade enabled him to assist with the financial goals of clients in U.S. and global marketplaces.

In May of this year, Garcia received the 50 Year Banker Award from the Texas Bankers Foundation. He was among 25 honorees that were recognized for their more than 50 years of service to the banking industry. 

"Guillermo is a dedicated and trusted executive of our company. His institutional knowledge and dedication to IBC Bank's mission of ‘doing more' has been invaluable to our employees, customers, and entire community for the past 52 years," said IBC Bank Chairman & CEO Dennis E. Nixon. "Guillermo's expertise in pairing dreams with opportunities and creating successful ventures has been his trademark since joining IBC, and he will surely be missed. We are grateful for the mentorship he has provided for our 3,000 plus employees and officers."

Those who work closest with Garcia, especially IBC Bank's younger generation of bankers, have benefited immensely from his mentorship and are sad to see him go.

"Guillermo has not only imparted knowledge, he has inspired enthusiasm and helped to build a strong customer service-oriented team in the International Division," said Gerald Schwebel, executive vice president of International Banking of IBC Bank. "He has set the bar high for others to follow and I, along with my colleagues, are grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside him for so many years."

Garcia will be retiring from his post as head of International Deposit Services, a program that sets IBC Bank apart from other financial institutions. He is confident that his team will continue to provide customers and prospects with the "IBC Experience" after he leaves.

"What kept me at IBC Bank for 52 years are the customers and the people I work with," explained Garcia. "I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel and build relationships and friendships with customers in the U.S. and Mexico, and to play a role in the substantial growth and success of a such an amazing community bank."

Garcia is a graduate of the Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma. He is also a past director/member of the Border Olympics Association and the International Good Neighbor Council, and is a longtime member of the Membership Committee of the Laredo Country Club. 

Upon his retirement, Garcia, who is a passionate hunter and golfer, plans to spend more time with his wife Josie, his two sons Guillermo, Jr. and Marc and daughter Patricia, and his seven grandchildren.  

About IBC Bank-Laredo

IBC Bank-Laredo is a member of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), a $12 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 189 facilities and 285 ATMs serving 89 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. IBC Bank's slogan "We Do More" reflects the bank's dedication to the growth and success of the customers and the communities it has been serving since 1966. International Bancshares Corporation was ranked 22^nd on Forbes' prestigious list of 100 Best Banks in America in 2019. IBC Bank-Laredo was selected as 2019 "Best Bank" by Laredo Morning Times readers. IBC Bank-Laredo serves the community with a retail branch network of 20 locations. MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION. Follow our Facebook page, @IBCBankWeDoMore. More information is available at ibc.com.