News Releases

• Ernie Johannson named one of the Most Powerful Women in Banking for the sixth consecutive year.
• Amy Bartlett included on the NEXT list highlighting executives under 40.

CHICAGO, October 1, 2024 – BMO today announced American Banker has named a team of women leaders at BMO as the "Most Powerful Women in Banking” for their critical work in the success of the bank’s acquisition and integration of Bank of the West (BOTW). The acquisition grew BMO’s physical presence to 32 states, serving more than 4 million U.S. customers. 

Team BMO’s seamless transition of nearly 2 million new customers across wealth, corporate, commercial, business banking and capital markets, 3 million accounts, and 650+ applications was performed within an 83-hour window over Labor Day weekend 2023. A further 7 million successful logins in the first week reinforced the project's success and a smooth customer experience led by a leadership team that was more than half women.    

BMO received a 2024 Celent Model Bank Award for Integration Excellence, recognizing the bank for extraordinary efforts and best practices in migrating and onboarding the new customer base within a brief period and exemplary customer service before and after the integration. 

Along with acknowledging BMO's talented team of women leaders, American Banker also recognized Ernie Johannson, Group Head, North American Personal and Business Banking, BMO Financial Group, by ranking her on the publication’s 2024 list of the Most Powerful Women in Banking for the sixth consecutive year. Amy Bartlett, Managing Director & Head, Global Markets Corporate Banking, was included on the NEXT list highlighting executives under 40 who have successfully executed major internal projects, initiated meaningful change, and shaped the future of financial services.

"Over the past year, Ernie, Amy and BMO’s entire team of talented women leaders have led our bank through a period of impactful change and accelerated U.S. growth,” said Darrel Hackett, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group. “This recognition is a testament to the team’s commitment to driving real financial progress for our customers, colleagues and communities.” 

American Banker's Most Powerful Women in Banking initiative recognizes individuals and teams for demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, strong business performance and a commitment to driving real outcomes for diversity equity and inclusion in financial services.

About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2024. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. 

Media Contacts: 
Scott Doll – scott.doll@bmo.com