BMO Bank of Montreal today enhanced its presence in Atlantic Canada with the appointment of a Halifax-based senior vice president, Steve Murphy.

In his new position, Murphy will be responsible for the performance of 860 professionals who serve customers through BMO’s network of 85 branches in Atlantic Canada, including 30 in Nova Scotia.

Murphy holds an MBA from the University of Windsor and has 22 years experience with BMO in personal and commercial banking, including the last 10 in executive positions. Prior to his appointment, he was senior vp in the Office of Strategic Management.

“Throughout his career with BMO, Steve has led his teams to superior performance delivery while demonstrating his commitment to customer service,” said Frank Techar, president and CEO, BMO Bank of Montreal, in a news release.

“I look forward to developing BMO’s presence and business in Atlantic Canada”, said Murphy who was extremely active in the community in prior executive positions with BMO in Ontario and Alberta. “It is the renewed attention of everyone at BMO to putting the customer first that makes this a highly exciting time for me and my colleagues in Atlantic Canada.”

“Steve’s extensive retail and commercial banking experience and his ability to inspire a customer-focused team of bankers will help us attract new customers and grow our personal and commercial business in Atlantic Canada,” said Techar.

Small business is a priority market for BMO in Atlantic Canada. “My predecessors and our team have been very successful at growing market share, from 17.5% in 1999 to 24.9% in 2006, and we are committed to becoming the number one small business lender in the region,” added Murphy. “We’re also very focused on growing our retail banking business in the Halifax Regional Municipality, following investments of more than $7 million in recent years and the opening of a new branch on Mumford Road, five in-store branches and a complete renovation of the Halifax Main Office.”