BMO U.S. Appoints Halé Behzadi as Vice Chair, California to Accelerate Growth in the Golden State

LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - BMO today announced the appointment of Halé Behzadi as Vice Chair, California, BMO U.S. In this newly created role, Behzadi will focus on accelerating BMO's growth in California, working closely with business leaders to deepen client relationships, expand market share, and enhance brand awareness. She will be based in Los Angeles and report directly to Darrel Hackett, U.S. CEO, BMO.

Behzadi's appointment underscores BMO's long-term commitment to customers, clients and communities in California, and strengthens BMO's team of California-based leaders which include the recent additions of U.S. Management Committee members that lead national businesses: Tony Sciarrino, Head, U.S. Commercial Bank, and Michele Havens, Head, U.S. Private Wealth.

"BMO has been doing business in California for more than 160 years and we remain deeply committed to growing our presence and continuing to deliver exceptional service and value to our clients," said Hackett. "Halé's deep expertise, leadership, and strong connections in the region will be instrumental in advancing our growth strategy and reinforcing BMO's position as a top-tier bank in California as we continue to lead in the Midwest."

Behzadi is a transformative business leader with four decades of experience driving exceptional growth and organizational excellence in financial services. She is known for her ability to build high-performing teams, develop innovative business strategies, and create value across complex, multi-regional environments. Most recently, Behzadi served as CEO of Citi Private Bank North America, where she led integrated sales teams across 23 North American offices, achieving significant year-over-year growth in high-quality acquisition.

"BMO is making bold moves in California and I'm excited to help shape the next chapter of its growth," said Behzadi. "Success in this market isn't just about scale – it's about delivering unmatched client experience, fostering collaboration, and creating long-term value. I look forward to working with BMO's talented team to elevate our presence and help our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve make real financial progress."

BMO is a top 10 U.S. bank, with the scale, expertise, and capabilities to support clients at every stage of their financial journey. With unmatched U.S. momentum, a deeply engaged team, and a focus on long-term growth, BMO is well-positioned to expand its impact and continue to drive progress for a thriving economy in the communities it serves.

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2025. 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. 

SOURCE BMO US