OREANDA-NEWS. BMO Financial Group today announced that Mark Furlong, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Harris Bank N.A., and Group Head, U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, has decided to retire effective June 1, 2015.

With Mr. Furlong's retirement, BMO Financial Group also announced the following leadership appointments within U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, effective June 1, 2015:

Dave Casper is appointed President and CEO, BMO Harris Bank N.A., and Group Head, Commercial Banking. He is currently Head of Commercial Banking, U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking. In this new role, Mr. Casper will be responsible for the overall performance of BMO Harris Bank N.A. and its subsidiaries, and for representing the bank within the business and civic community. He will also lead the growth strategy for the Commercial Banking business and will be accountable for the bank's North American Treasury and Payments Solutions group.

Alexandra Dousmanis-Curtis is appointed Group Head, U.S. Retail and Business Banking. She is currently Head, Retail Banking, U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking. Ms. Dousmanis-Curtis will be responsible for driving the bank's strategy in the U.S. retail and business banking segments to maximize customer and shareholder value, and achieve market-leading business growth, while building customer relationships and loyalty.

Both Mr. Casper and Ms. Dousmanis-Curtis will report to Frank Techar, Chief Operating Officer, BMO Financial Group.

"Under Mark's leadership we transformed our competitive position in the U.S. and introduced the new BMO Harris Bank brand to the marketplace," said Bill Downe, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "Mark's broad experience, principled leadership and very high standards have always shaped his approach to business. His years at the bank are notable for the establishment of a top 20 personal and commercial banking presence in the U.S. and for strong and consistent growth in our commercial lending business. He has been a champion for the community, working tirelessly to reinforce the bank's values and commitment in this regard."

Mr. Downe added: "I congratulate Dave and Alex on their appointments. Alex has 30 years of experience and a passion for this business and our customers that defines BMO. Dave has exceptional skills in working with customers. Now, as a representative of the entire bank, he will support growth in the U.S. organization in close collaboration with retail and business banking and our wealth management team."

Commenting on his retirement, Mr. Furlong said: "It has been a privilege to serve the bank and work with the outstanding team at BMO. I am especially pleased that Dave and Alex will be taking on expanded responsibilities. I have worked closely with them both and have seen first hand that they have the skills and experience to lead BMO Harris Bank into this next chapter of successful growth and development. They are deeply committed to helping our customers succeed. I congratulate them both."

"Alex and I look forward to building on the momentum achieved under Mark's leadership," said Mr. Casper. "We will continue to execute the bank's strategy, bringing new customers to the bank and extending our market share in the Midwest as a result."

Ms. Dousmanis-Curtis noted: "We are working hard to differentiate BMO Harris Bank by focusing on customers - providing them with new ways to bank, like our new Mobile Cash product and smaller format, high-tech Smart Branches. Wherever we do business, our message is simple: We're here to help."

Mr. Furlong joined BMO Financial Group in 2011, upon closing of the Marshall and Ilsley acquisition. He previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marshall and Ilsley Corporation. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and has also held senior leadership positions at Old Kent Financial Corp, Deloitte and Touche and KPMG Peat Marwick. He serves as a Board Member of Kforce Professional Staffing, LEAP Innovations, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago United and World Business Chicago.

Mr. Casper joined BMO Harris Bank in 1978. A Wisconsin native, Mr. Casper received a Masters of Management Degree from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Sentry Insurance Company, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Ounce of Prevention Fund.

A native of New Jersey, Ms. Dousmanis-Curtis has spent 14 years at BMO Financial Group, holding senior banking positions in the U.S. and Canada. She has completed business and leadership studies at Harvard Business School, University of Toronto, University of Michigan and Duke University. She serves on the Board of the Urban League in Chicago and is a member of The Chicago Network.