When a celebrity gets married, people rush to learn about their spouse. Jacob Jules Villere found himself in this spotlight after marrying actor Peter Porte in 2018. But Jacob’s story goes beyond being a celebrity husband—he’s built a solid 20-year career in corporate banking, climbing from auditor positions to senior vice president roles at major financial institutions like Capital One, Bank of America, and Citizens Bank.
Born October 14, 1982, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jacob stands 6 feet tall with light blue eyes and blonde hair. He calls Los Angeles home now, but his Louisiana roots shaped who he became. At 42, this finance professional has earned an estimated net worth of $12.5 million through years of dedication to corporate banking and smart investments.
Early Life and Education
Jacob grew up in New Orleans, attending Woodland High School before heading to Louisiana State University. From 1997 to 2001, he studied accounting at LSU, earning his bachelor’s degree and setting the foundation for his finance career.
The Villere name carries weight in Louisiana history. His education gave him technical skills in financial analysis, risk assessment, and contract negotiation—tools he’d use throughout his banking career. New Orleans shaped his work ethic and professional approach, even though he’d eventually move across the country for work.
Banking Career and Professional Journey
Jacob started working right after college. His first job was at Certegy from 2001 to 2003, where he worked as an auditor handling financial assessments and operational reviews. He briefly worked at Arthur Andersen in 2001-2002 as an audit associate, gaining experience at the accounting firm.
His big break came at Capital One Bank. From 2004 to 2017, Jacob spent 13 years there, working his way up to Senior Vice President. He led the West Coast Corporate Banking team, managing relationships with major business clients. In 2016, Capital One announced Jacob’s promotion as they expanded their West Coast presence—a clear sign of his value to the company.
After Capital One, Jacob joined Bank of America from 2017 to 2024, continuing his work as Senior Vice President in corporate banking. He specialized in relationship management, meaning he worked directly with companies needing banking services, credit facilities, and treasury management solutions.
In 2024, Jacob moved to Citizens Bank, where he currently works as SVP and Relationship Manager. He also serves as an investor with Gaingels, an LGBTQ-focused venture capital fund, since 2019. This role shows his interest in supporting businesses that align with his values.
Who Is Peter Porte
Peter Porte, born March 31, 1984, in Greenwood Lake, New York, is an American actor who’s made his mark on television. You might recognize him as Ricky Williams on The Young and the Restless (2011-2012) or Brad Walker on Baby Daddy (2012-2017). He’s appeared on Devious Maids and starred in Netflix’s Uncoupled alongside Neil Patrick Harris.
Peter’s become a favorite on Hallmark Channel, appearing in movies like “Dashing in December,” “Love Once and Always,” and “Notes of Autumn.” He’s been open about his sexual orientation throughout his career and works as an LGBTQ advocate. In 2023, he partnered with Covenant House of California, supporting homeless LGBTQ youth.
Marriage and Relationship
Jacob and Peter got married on October 7, 2018, at Latrobe’s on Royal in the French Quarter—right in Jacob’s hometown of New Orleans. The wedding brought together Peter’s entertainment world and Jacob’s corporate banking circle in one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods.
Their relationship bridges two different worlds. Peter lives in the public eye as an actor, while Jacob maintains a more private profile as a banking executive. They’ve found balance between Peter’s public-facing career and Jacob’s preference for professional discretion. The couple respects each other’s different approaches to public life while supporting each other’s careers.
Life in Los Angeles
Jacob and Peter live in Los Angeles with their dog, Chopper. The city works well for both—Peter needs to be there for his acting career, while Jacob’s corporate banking role lets him manage West Coast client relationships.
They navigate both financial and entertainment circles, attending industry events when appropriate but maintaining personal boundaries. Jacob’s corporate background means he approaches social media and public appearances differently than Peter does. While Peter shares more of his work and advocacy online, Jacob keeps his Instagram (@jjulesvillere) more selective, sharing only occasional glimpses of his life.
Professional Accomplishments and Expertise
Jacob’s 20-plus years in banking show real achievements. His 2016 promotion at Capital One came as the bank expanded its West Coast corporate banking operations—they trusted him to lead that growth.
He specialises in several areas: credit risk assessment, contract negotiation, treasury management, financial analysis, and relationship management. Corporate banking means working with businesses that need complex banking services—it’s not retail banking with individual customers. Jacob handles multi-million dollar relationships, helping companies manage their finances, secure credit, and plan for growth.
His accounting degree from LSU gave him the analytical foundation. Jacob built his career on relationship skills—understanding what businesses need and finding banking solutions that work.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Jacob’s estimated net worth sits around $12.5 million. That wealth comes from his senior vice president salary at major banks, his investment activities with Gaingels, and decades of smart financial decisions.
Corporate banking pays well, especially at the SVP level. Jacob’s progression through Capital One, Bank of America, and Citizens Bank—three major financial institutions—meant steady income growth over 20 years. His accounting background and finance expertise also helped him make smart personal investment choices.
Unlike some celebrity spouses who might live off their partner’s income, Jacob built his own financial stability long before meeting Peter.
Private Life and Public Presence
Jacob keeps a low profile compared to his husband. It’s not that he’s hiding—he simply approaches public life differently. His banking career requires professional discretion, and that’s carried over to his personal life.
On Instagram, he shares select moments but doesn’t overshare. He doesn’t seek media attention or publicity. This approach contrasts with Peter’s needs as an actor—Peter benefits from public visibility for his career. They’ve made it work by respecting each other’s comfort levels with public exposure.
LGBTQ Representation in Finance
Jacob represents something important—an openly gay executive in corporate banking. The financial services industry hasn’t always been welcoming to LGBTQ professionals, though that’s changing.
His work with Gaingels shows he’s putting money behind LGBTQ entrepreneurs and businesses. The venture capital fund specifically invests in companies founded by or supportive of LGBTQ individuals. It’s one way Jacob uses his financial expertise and resources to support the community.
He and Peter also represent positive visibility for LGBTQ couples, especially showing how relationships work when partners come from completely different professional worlds. Their 2018 marriage and continued relationship show that love works regardless of whether you’re in banking or Hollywood.
Jacob Jules Villere built his career on his own terms. Yes, he’s Peter Porte’s husband—but he’s also a respected banking executive who’s spent two decades in finance, managed major corporate relationships, and accumulated significant wealth through his own work. He’s proven you can maintain privacy while being married to someone in the public eye, and you can be openly gay while succeeding in corporate banking. That’s a success story worth knowing.
