2008-07-23 23:56:04 -

- UnionBanCal Corporation Stephen L. Johnson, 415-765-3252 Stephen.Johnson@uboc.com or Daniel W. Weidman, 213-236-4050 Daniel.Weidman@uboc.com UnionBanCal Corporation (NYSE: UB) today announced that Kyota Omori will succeed Norimichi Kanari as chairman of the board effective July 23, 2008. Kanari, who has served as chairman of UnionBanCal and its principal subsidiary, Union Bank of California, N.A., since February 2007,

is stepping down from his position. Omori, 60, will serve as non-resident chairman of UnionBanCal and Union Bank of California.

A graduate of The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Law, Omori is the deputy president for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG), whose subsidiary, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU), is UnionBanCal Corporation's majority shareholder. During Omori's distinguished 36-year career he has held a number of positions within BTMU, including senior managing executive officer and chief executive officer for the Americas. He began his banking career with The Mitsubishi Bank, Ltd. in 1972.

"I am very pleased to welcome Kyota as our new chairman of the board," said Union Bank of California President and Chief Executive Officer Masaaki Tanaka. "Kyota's global banking experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our board of directors and our executive management team."

Kanari has had a notable career with BTMU and UnionBanCal Corporation. From May 2005 to April 2008, he served as deputy president and chief executive officer of the global business unit of BTMU, and from July 2001 to May 2005, he was the president and chief executive officer of UnionBanCal and Union Bank. He also served as vice chairman of UnionBanCal and Union Bank from July 2000 to July 2001.

"We have been fortunate to have Norimichi Kanari serve in a number of capacities for both BTMU and UnionBanCal Corporation over the years," Tanaka said. "We thank him for his valued work and wish him well in his future endeavors."

Based in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation (NYSE: UB) is a bank holding company with assets of $57.9 billion at March 31, 2008. Its principal subsidiary, Union Bank of California, N.A., had 334 banking offices in California, Oregon, and Washington and 2 international offices at March 31, 2008. The company's Web site is located at www.unionbank.com.

Current Board Chairman Norimichi Kanari to Step Down