CapStar Bank has recruited a former Wachovia regional executive to lead its retail and private banking divisions.

Karen Schorkopf will join four-year-old CapStar on July 24. Schorkopf has been active in Nashville’s banking sector since 2004 and was most recently senior vice president at BancorpSouth, which she joined in 2006 from Wachovia.

Schorkopf has managed high net worth clients, nonprofit organizations, small businesses and commercial real estate relationships. Early in her career, she worked in international banking in New York at the former Marine Midland Bank and at Merrill Lynch.

“CapStar’s growth and recent acquisition requires that we focus more attention on the private banking and branch strategies,” said President and CEO Claire Tucker. “Karen’s experience and energy will help us address our expanding client base strategically. Her experience positions her well for this important management role.”

Schorkopf will oversee all branch operations as CapStar finalizes its purchase of American Security Bank & Trust, which will bring its total number of locations to five. She will also develop marketing strategies for CapStar’s private banking department.

Schorkopf graduated from Duke University with a degree in economics and languages. She also is a graduate of New York University’s Commercial Bank Training Program.