TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 6, 2011) - BMO Financial Group (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) today announced that with the upcoming retirement of David A. Galloway from the Board, it intends to appoint J. Robert S. Prichard, O.C., O.Ont., as non-executive Chairman of the Board, upon his re-election to the Board at BMO's Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Halifax on March 20, 2012.

Mr. Prichard has been an independent director of BMO since 2000.

"Under Rob's leadership, I have every confidence that good governance will remain a source of competitive advantage for BMO," said Mr. Galloway. "It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman for the past eight years. As I prepare to step down from the Board, I record my gratitude to everyone at the Bank for their contributions and support."

"I thank David for his distinguished leadership during a period of renewal and growth at BMO and tremendous change within the global financial system. He served us very well indeed," said Mr. Prichard. "I am grateful for the Board's confidence and look forward to working with the Board and management to deliver superior performance by the Bank that defines great customer experience."

Mr. Prichard is non-executive Chair of Torys LLP and a director of George Weston Limited and Onex Corporation. He is also President Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He has an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and law degrees from the University of Toronto and Yale University. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Member of the Order of Ontario and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

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