News Releases

BMO Bank of Montreal today appointed Janet Peddigrew as Vice-President of its retail banking operations in Newfoundland & Labrador, the first woman to hold this executive position.

Mrs. Peddigrew will be responsible for the performance of 230 professionals who serve customers through BMO's network of 24 branches in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Mrs. Peddigrew was born in Labrador City and grew up in Wabush. She holds an MBA in Financial Services from Dalhousie University and has twenty three years experience with BMO Bank of Montreal. She began her career in 1984, at the Village Mall branch in St. John's. Prior to her appointment, she was Senior Manager for Specialized Distribution Programs, including Mortgage Specialists and In-Store Banking, in BMO's Corporate Headquarters in Toronto.

“Throughout her career with BMO, Mrs. Peddigrew has demonstrated a commitment to customer service and sales while leading her teams to superior performance,” said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Provinces Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Mrs. Peddigrew joins a renewed BMO executive leadership team in Atlantic Canada that will focus on ensuring our employees offer customers a superior banking experience and personalized financial solutions during each branch visit or conversation,” added Mr. Murphy.

“I am thrilled to return home to Newfoundland & Labrador, and my commercial colleagues and I look forward to helping local entrepreneurs achieve their business objectives while contributing to the province's strong economic expansion,” said Janet Peddigrew. BMO has been very successful at growing market share in small business lending in Atlantic Canada, from 17.5 per cent in 1999 to 25.6 per cent in 2007.

BMO Bank of Montreal is also focused on building lasting relationships with customers with new products and special offerings, such as its recent AIR MILES initiative whereby collectors can receive miles on all their debit card purchases regardless of where they shop and without restrictions, and provides a highly efficient and focused sales staff and outstanding customer service. BMO also offers the convenience of seven day a week banking in the St. John's area through its four In-Store branches at Sobeys locations.

Mrs. Peddigrew assumes her new position following the retirement of Jack Hillyard after more than 37 years of distinguished service with BMO Bank of Montreal. “I wish to thank Jack for his invaluable contribution to BMO and I'm happy that he will continue to be an ambassador at large for our organization,” said Steve Murphy.

BMO is an active corporate citizen, with more than $3 million in total community investment in Atlantic Canada through announced donations and sponsorships in 2006.

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