John Barkidjija

John Barkidjija is an experienced banking executive currently serving as Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Real Estate and Specialty Finance at Byline Bank since January 2019.12 He is responsible for managing Commercial Real Estate, Sponsor Finance, and Syndications groups, overseeing an originated portfolio of over $1.7 billion in loans.2 Barkidjija is also a member of the Executive Management team and co-executive sponsor of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council at Byline Bank.2

Prior to his current role, Barkidjija held various positions in the banking and financial industry:

1. Senior Vice President, Group Head, Commercial Real Estate at Byline Bank (2014-2019)1
2. Consultant and Chief Credit Officer at Bridgeview Bank (2012)2
3. Principal at Mbark Financial, LLC (2011-2012)2
4. Executive Vice President - Asset Management and Special Asset Consultant at ST Residential, LLC1
5. Various roles at Corus Bank, N.A., including Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Risk Officer1

Education

Barkidjija has a strong educational background:

• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Columbia University's Columbia College12
• Juris Doctor (JD) from New York University School of Law12
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business12

Career Highlights

Before his banking career, Barkidjija practiced corporate law at Christy & Viener and Jones & Blouch.1 His experience in real estate finance includes founding a real estate advisory firm focused on commercial real estate loan advisory, troubled debt restructurings, and debt placement.2 He has also been a speaker and panelist at various national and regional hospitality and commercial real estate conferences.2