BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. said Geoff Belsher has been appointed head of North American merger and acquisitions and executive managing director.

It was one of two appointments announced Thursday to BMO Nesbitt Burns’ M&A group in North America.

Belsher, to be based in Chicago, also becomes head of the U.S. M&A practice and will be responsible for strengthening the group’s presence south of the border.

He is being replaced in Canada by André Hidi as executive managing director and head of Canadian M&A. Hidi, will be based in Toronto and will lead a team of nearly 20 professionals.

“André brings an outstanding track record to our organization,” said Tom Milroy, vice chairman and global head of investment & corporate banking, BMO Nesbitt Burns. “With Geoff on board in Chicago, we have strengthened our team of senior professionals across a full product offering.”

Hidi has worked in the M&A for 16 years, most recently as co-CEO of Salomon Smith Barney Canada and CEO of Smith Barney Canada.

Belsher joined BMO’s Canadian M&A team in Toronto in 1997 and has worked on numerous transactions and cross-border deals.