SunTrust Banks, Inc. is establishing a Private Wealth Management office in New York City. Robert Weiss, a 25-year veteran of the wealth management industry, will lead the Northeast Division of SunTrust Private Wealth Management. Weiss is joined by four wealth management professionals who are based in the bank's Rockefeller Center office.

The establishment of a wealth management office in New York City builds on previous success SunTrust has had in the tristate area. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey already serves businesses in the region, and GenSpring Family Offices - the family office segment of SunTrust Private Wealth Management - currently focuses on ultra-high net worth individuals and families.

"New York City has a combination of prospective clients, SunTrust resources and industry talent that make it an attractive market for our business," said Joe Thompson, head of SunTrust Private Wealth Management. "Robert Weiss is building an experienced team of wealth management professionals that will expand throughout the tristate area and partner with our corporate and investment banking teammates in New York City to serve the broad needs of clients. We will continue to invest in proven talent throughout the region to help individuals make confident financial decisions so they can enjoy the moments in life that matter."

Previously, Weiss served as a senior executive with J.P. Morgan, providing advice across a wide range of issues as part of the firm's asset growth strategy. He also served as managing director and market president for a team serving clients throughout the tristate area. Previously, Weiss served as managing director for Bernstein, based in the Greater New York area.

Joining Weiss to form the SunTrust Private Wealth Management team in New York City are:

• Charles Swarns who will serve as managing director for the Northeast Division. Swarns previously spent 35 years with J.P. Morgan, serving as managing director for the last 10 years, nine of those as the market manager serving clients throughout the New York tristate area.

• Larry Kaplow joins SunTrust as a wealth advisor. A 25-year financial services veteran, Kaplow spent the previous 17 years with U.S. Trust, most recently serving as managing director and client advisor leading a wealth management team in New York City.

• Bob Zimmerman will serve as an investment strategist with SunTrust. Zimmerman spent nearly 20 years with U.S. Trust, most recently serving as a managing director and portfolio manager responsible for equity, fixed income and alternative investment portfolios.