BMO Bank of Montreal Appoints New Vice-President for Mid-Western Ontario

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON, April 28 /CNW/ - BMO Bank of Montreal today announced the appointment of Janet Peddigrew as Vice-President for Mid-Western Ontario, the first woman to hold this executive position.

Ms. Peddigrew will be responsible for the performance of 456 professionals who serve customers through BMO's network of 46 branches in Mid-Western Ontario, including 16 branches in the bank's district headquarters located in Kitchener-Waterloo. BMO's Mid-Western division is comprised of 30 communities, including Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge.

Ms. Peddigrew is originally from Newfoundland and Labrador. She holds an MBA in Financial Services from Dalhousie University and has 26 years experience with BMO Bank of Montreal. She began her career in 1984 in St. John's, and progressed through several Senior Manager positions in retail banking, she also managed Specialized Distribution Programs, including Financial Planners, Mortgage Specialists and In-Store Banking, in BMO's Corporate Headquarters in Toronto. Prior to her new appointment, she was BMO's Vice-President for Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Throughout her career with BMO, Janet has demonstrated a commitment and passion to customer service and sales while leading her teams to superior performance," said Susan Brown, Senior Vice-President, Ontario Regional Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Janet joins a renewed BMO executive leadership team in Ontario that will focus on ensuring that our employees offer an exceptional customer experience and personalized financial solutions during each branch visit or conversation," added Brown.

"I am thrilled at this opportunity to join BMO's largest division in Canada, and my commercial colleagues and I look forward to helping local entrepreneurs achieve their business objectives while contributing to the province's diverse economy," said Ms. Peddigrew.

BMO Bank of Montreal is also focused on building lasting relationships with customers with new products and special offerings, such as its new five-year low-rate fixed closed mortgage, with a maximum 25 year amortization, plus innovative banking tools such as BMO SmartSteps for consumers and BMO SmartSteps for Business.

Ms. Peddigrew assumes her new position following the new appointment of Michael Klopchic to Vice-President, Corporate Finance, BMO Bank of Montreal. "I wish to thank Michael for his invaluable contribution to BMO and I'm happy that our customers will continue to benefit from his experience in his new role," said Ms. Brown.

For further information: Martha McInnis, Toronto, [email protected], [phone], Internet: www.bmo.com