I
an Brandon
WALTHAM, MA – In a market marked by volatility, complexity, and swift change, Brandon has become one of Greater Boston’s most trusted and forward‑thinking banking leaders. As Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer at Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB), he has steered the bank’s commercial arm into a regional powerhouse, earning the 2025 Real Estate Banking Leader of the Year award.
With over 25 years in commercial banking and more than $10 billion in closed deals, Brandon is celebrated for blending technical expertise with a people‑first mindset. He believes that success in commercial real‑estate lending hinges on relationships as much as on numbers.
**Career Anchored in Relationships and Results**
Brandon joined CSB in 2007, first heading the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) division. He built a high‑performing team that delivered tailored, risk‑managed financing to developers, property owners, and investors across the region, cementing CSB’s reputation in a competitive, capital‑intensive market. In 2024 he was promoted to Chief Commercial Banking Officer, expanding his remit to include commercial and industrial (C&I) lending, asset‑based lending (ABL), and strategic growth initiatives. Reporting to CEO Ryan Bailey, Brandon now leads the commercial banking division, driving product innovation, market share expansion, and competitive relevance.
**A Modern Bank with 191 Years of History**
CSB, founded in 1834, is one of Massachusetts’ oldest and largest community banks. As a mutual institution, it prioritizes long‑term value over short‑term profits, fostering stronger client ties and deeper community engagement. The bank boasts over $7 billion in assets and 19 branches, including a new Dorchester location aimed at underserved communities.
Under Brandon’s guidance, CSB has broadened its commercial portfolio by staying agile, locally responsive, and open to alternative lending models. From large‑scale CRE financing to expanded ABL capabilities and lending to fund platforms, the bank embraces a dynamic, diversified growth strategy. “We’re not just providing capital—we’re forging strategic partnerships,” Brandon says. “Our success mirrors our clients’ success, starting with listening, customizing, and delivering.”
**Regional Influence and Community Commitment**
Beyond CSB, Brandon actively participates in key regional real‑estate and finance groups such as the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA), NAIOP, Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the Real Estate Lenders Association, positioning CSB as a go‑to lender in Boston’s fast‑moving markets. He also serves on the financial advisory board of The Winchendon School and is a member of Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute’s Presidents Circle, underscoring his dedication to education and healthcare.
Born in Switzerland and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Brandon brings a global perspective to his leadership—marked by clarity, adaptability, and integrity. He holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from UMass Amherst and an MBA from Boston University.
CSB’s leadership, including Brandon and CEO Ryan Bailey, is investing in talent, digital platforms, and community partnerships to build a future that balances growth with values. Brandon’s vision ensures CSB remains not just a bank, but a true community partner.
For his visionary leadership, proven results, and unwavering commitment to clients and communities, Ian Brandon rightfully earned the 2025 Real Estate Banking Leader of the Year award. He is not merely financing buildings; he is shaping Greater Boston’s economic future, one relationship at a time.
