BMO Financial Group Announces Leadership Restructuring with Senior Executive Promotions and Changes

BMO Financial Group has announced a significant restructuring of its senior executive team, unveiling a series of high-profile appointments aimed at strengthening its leadership both in Canada and the United States. Aron Levine has been named the new group head and president of BMO U.S., a move that places him at the helm of the bank's U.S. personal and business banking, commercial banking, and wealth management divisions starting July 7.

Levine will report directly to chief executive Darryl White and Darrel Hackett, CEO of BMO U.S., who will maintain overarching authority for the bank’s American operations and serve as chair of BMO’s U.S. management committee. This strategic change comes at a time when BMO continues to expand its footprint in the competitive U.S. market, with a clear focus on enhancing integration and leadership across its cross-border banking services.

Within its commercial banking operations, Nadim Hirji, currently the leader of BMO’s North American commercial banking business since March 2023, will transition to the role of vice-chair, BMO commercial banking. His new responsibilities are expected to leverage his extensive experience in commercial finance to drive further growth and innovation across the continent.

The reorganization coincides with the upcoming retirement of Ernie (Erminia) Johannson, who has guided BMO’s North American personal and business banking group since 2020. Johannson plans to retire in early 2026 and, in the interim, will serve as a senior adviser, assisting with a seamless transition and providing counsel to her successors.

Further bolstering its Canadian leadership, BMO is appointing Sharon Haward-Laird as group head, Canadian commercial banking and North American shared services, as well as co-head of Canadian personal and commercial banking. Alongside her, Mat Mehrotra will become group head, Canadian personal and business banking and will share co-head duties for Canadian personal and commercial banking. These appointments reflect a dual leadership approach intended to reinforce collaboration across BMO’s Canadian core business sectors.

Additionally, the executive changes will see Mona Malone taking on expanded duties as chief administrative officer, while continuing her role as chief human resources officer. Paul Noble has also been appointed general counsel and group head of legal and regulatory compliance, underscoring the bank’s commitment to governance and risk management amid a complex regulatory landscape.

These leadership changes represent a pivotal step for BMO as it navigates an evolving financial environment, with a renewed emphasis on cross-border collaboration and executive depth. The bank says these appointments are designed to support its long-term strategy and sustain its position as a leading North American financial institution.