Bank of Montreal (BMO) has appointed veteran financial executive Aron Levine to head its U.S. personal and business banking, commercial banking, and wealth management divisions. This move signals a significant strategic shift as BMO continues its ambitious expansion and integration efforts in the United States.
Levine, who spent nearly 32 years at Bank of America, brings with him a deep well of experience in retail banking, digital transformation, and client strategy. He is set to officially take on his new role at BMO on July 7, 2025. Levine will operate out of the company’s Chicago headquarters and report directly to CEO Darryl White and U.S. CEO Darrel Hackett.
The leadership restructuring comes in the wake of BMO’s landmark $16 billion acquisition of Bank of the West in 2023. That acquisition, one of the largest in the bank’s history, dramatically expanded BMO’s U.S. footprint, adding more than 500 branches and nearly two million new customers primarily across the western United States.
U.S. Expansion Strategy Gains New Momentum
BMO has been steadily enhancing its U.S. presence over the past decade. With Levine’s appointment, the institution aims to accelerate performance and integration, particularly in markets where Bank of the West previously held strong community and regional ties.
Levine’s track record in innovation and digital banking makes him a key asset in BMO’s long-term U.S. vision. During his time at Bank of America, he led the company’s consumer banking and investment strategies, playing a pivotal role in the development of its mobile platforms and client engagement tools.
“Aron’s leadership and understanding of the U.S. financial landscape will be instrumental as we aim to provide best-in-class service and innovative solutions for our clients,” said Darryl White. “His insights will help drive growth, deliver shareholder value, and align our strategy with evolving customer needs.”
Wider Leadership Changes at BMO
Levine’s appointment is just one part of a broader leadership reorganization aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing cross-border synergies between Canadian and U.S. markets.
Other major executive changes include:
- Tony Sciarrino, formerly of JPMorgan Chase, will now oversee BMO’s U.S. commercial banking division. Sciarrino is expected to bring a data-driven approach to middle-market and corporate lending.
- Kristin Milchanowski, a newcomer from EY, has been named BMO’s Chief AI Officer. She will lead enterprise-wide initiatives to integrate artificial intelligence in banking operations and customer service.
- Ernie Johannson, who currently oversees North American personal and business banking, will remain with the company through 2026 before retiring. His tenure has been marked by substantial digital advancements and customer growth.
- Sharon Haward-Laird and Mat Mehrotra will co-lead Canadian personal and commercial banking. Their collaboration is expected to introduce more agility in addressing client needs across regions.
- Nadim Hirji, previously the head of commercial banking, transitions to a new role as Vice Chair. His responsibilities will now focus on strategic advisory and high-level partnerships.
Looking Ahead: Integration and Innovation
With this refreshed leadership team, BMO is poised to deepen its reach in the competitive U.S. banking market. The institution has emphasized the importance of innovation, customer-centric design, and operational efficiency as pillars of its growth strategy.
Levine’s expertise is anticipated to play a critical role in enhancing BMO’s U.S. retail operations, particularly through investments in digital channels, customer service platforms, and wealth management solutions tailored for American consumers.
BMO executives have underscored that the leadership changes are part of a long-term vision to increase market share, improve return on equity, and better leverage the synergies created by the Bank of the West acquisition.
By positioning experienced leaders in key roles, the bank hopes to seamlessly unify operations across the border and create a cohesive North American financial powerhouse.
