BMO Financial Group 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 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, 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. 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 Casper and 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."

"Alex and I look forward to building on the momentum achieved under Mark's leadership," said 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."

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."

Casper joined BMO Harris Bank in 1978. A Wisconsin native, 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, 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.