LAREDO, Texas — IBC Bank has announced a major restructuring of its executive leadership team in Laredo, promoting three long-serving executives—Gerald Schwebel, Nativido "Nati" Lozano, and Juan A. (John) Villarreal—to key leadership positions within the institution.
Dennis E. Nixon, chairman and CEO of IBC Bank, said the leadership appointments reflect the decades of dedicated service, financial expertise, and civic leadership each executive has brought to both the bank and the broader South Texas border region.
Leading the executive appointments, Gerald "Gerry" Schwebel has been promoted to enterprise-wide President of International Banking.
A widely recognized authority on international trade, transportation, finance, and U.S.-Mexico cross-border relations, Schwebel has led IBC Bank’s Corporate International Division since 1996. In his expanded role, he will continue to shape the bank’s international strategy, support cross-border commerce, and guide economic development initiatives across North America.
"Gerry's promotion is both well-deserved and reflective of the extraordinary impact he has had at IBC Bank, on our customers, and the communities we serve," Nixon said. "For many years, Gerry has been a trusted leader, a tireless advocate for international trade, and an invaluable member of our executive team."
Schwebel's influence on cross-border trade spans over three decades. Notably, he served as Chairman of the Border Trade Alliance during the historic passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee and has held prominent leadership positions with the North America Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO), the Laredo Development Foundation, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, and the U.S./Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to his work in trade and finance, Schwebel played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo (UT Center at Laredo). Serving as Chair of the Regional Campus Advisory Council, Schwebel championed the transition of the former UT Health San Antonio regional campus into a multi-institution teaching center. Since its transition in 2021, enrollment has expanded from seven to roughly 230 students across 11 health-related degree and certificate programs, with a new three-story academic facility slated to open in 2028.
Schwebel was also instrumental in bringing community-based Alzheimer’s and dementia research to the Laredo area in partnership with The Glenn Biggs Institute, expanding access to early intervention and cognitive therapies in South Texas.
Following Schwebel’s promotion, Nativido "Nati" Lozano has been named Market President of IBC Bank-Laredo.
Lozano brings more than 25 years of financial sector experience to the role. He joined IBC Bank in 1995 as a commercial credit analyst and most recently led the bank's commercial lending division in the Laredo market.
"Nati has earned the respect of customers, colleagues, and community leaders alike through his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to helping businesses grow and prosper," Nixon said. "His deep understanding of the Laredo market and international trade environment makes him exceptionally qualified to lead our organization into the future."
Over his career, Lozano has developed extensive expertise in trade finance and commercial lending, maintaining strong networks across Mexico’s transportation, manufacturing, and real estate sectors while working alongside Schwebel to facilitate cross-border trade.
Lozano graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston with a B.B.A. in accounting and completed his studies at the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2003.
A prominent civic figure in South Texas, Lozano has served as Chairman of the Board of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and President of the Board of the Laredo Development Foundation. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association and coordinates the annual Laredo Country Club Laredo Open Golf Tournament.
Completing the trio of executive promotions, Juan A. (John) Villarreal has been named Executive Vice President of IBC Bank-Laredo.
Villarreal’s career with IBC Bank spans nearly four decades, beginning in 1988 as a credit analyst in the Credit Department. He was promoted to commercial lender in 1992, playing a central role in financing commercial growth throughout Laredo and the surrounding communities. Before joining IBC Bank, Villarreal served as a commercial bank examiner with the Texas Department of Banking.
"John's extensive banking experience, dedication to our customers, and unwavering commitment to the Laredo community have made him an invaluable member of the IBC family," Nixon said. "His leadership has contributed significantly to the success of our organization."
Villarreal earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from St. Mary's University in San Antonio and is a graduate of The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU.
He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation and sits on the Board and Finance Committee of the Laredo Country Club. His past civic leadership includes serving as Chairman of the Board for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Board President for the Laredo Boys and Girls Club, and involvement with the City of Laredo’s Economic Advisory Committee, Junior Achievement of Laredo, and the Boy Scouts Aztec District.
About IBC Bank
IBC Bank-Laredo is a member of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), a $17 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas. Founded in 1966, IBC Bank operates 165 facilities and 245 ATMs across 75 communities in Texas and Oklahoma.
