N@N

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 27, 2011) - BMO Harris Private Banking announced the appointment of Janine Guenther as Vice President & Managing Director for British Columbia. Diana Reid, who held the position since 2000, has moved to a national role as Vice President, National Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth Group and remains based in Vancouver.

Prior to joining BMO, Ms. Guenther was the regional head of a Canadian bank's discretionary money management business for British Columbia.

"Both Diana and Janine bring significant expertise and leadership experience to their respective roles," said Andrew Auerbach, Senior Vice President and Head of BMO Harris Private Banking. "Diana's proven track record of success is reflected in our growth in British Columbia. Janine's familiarity with the British Columbia market, coupled with her knowledge of the wealth management business, will build on our success and reinforces our commitment to providing optimal solutions to our clients and exceeding their needs."

Ms. Guenther completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Manitoba, is a CFA Charterholder and has also completed the Chartered Market Technician program. She is also the President's Council Representative for Canada to the Global Board of Governors for the CFA Institute.

Ms. Reid obtained her B.Sc. and L.L.B. from Dalhousie University. She has been an active member of the community and currently serves as a Governor of the B.C.'s Children's Hospital Foundation.

BMO in British Columbia

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. In British Columbia, BMO has more than 3,000 employees and serves customers from 118 BMO Bank of Montreal branches, six BMO Nesbitt Burns offices and six BMO Harris Private Banking locations.

BMO is an active corporate citizen in British Columbia. Recent major donations have been given to BC Children's Hospital, the VGH Grandview Woodlands Health Centre in East Vancouver, Canuck Place Children's Hospice in Abbotsford and the Arts Club Theatre Granville Island Stage renovation. The Bank also has title sponsor for several major community events such as the BMO Vancouver Marathon, the BMO Okanagan Marathon, the BMO Grouse Grind Run and BMO Family Day at the Surrey Children's Festival.

BMO and its employees generously support the United Ways throughout the province and BC Children's Hospital.