TORONTO, June 5 (Reuters) - Bank of Montreal ( BNKD )

has hired former Bank of America executive Aron Levine

to head some of its main U.S. businesses, the Canadian lender

said on Thursday.

Levine will lead BMO's U.S. personal and business banking,

commercial banking and wealth management businesses as the

lender restructures its business in the United States.

He will be based at BMO's U.S. headquarters in Chicago and

report to BMO CEO Darryl White and the bank's U.S. CEO Darrel

Hackett.

The bank made several executive changes alongside Levine's

appointment as it bets on the U.S. market.

Over almost 32 years at BofA, Levine expanded its investment

business and grew its branch network, often criss-crossing the

country to visit its offices. He left BofA in April, most

recently serving as its president of preferred banking.

"These experienced leaders bring the capabilities that will

help us accelerate our performance," White said. Combining the

U.S. businesses will help BMO boost its return on equity, he

added.

BMO's focus on the United States follows its $16 billion

acquisition of Bank of the West in 2023, which tapped into a

lucrative market in the western United States. It is seeking new

opportunities outside of its home market in Canada.

The bank has also hired Tony Sciarrino from JPMorgan Chase ( JPM )

as the head of its U.S. commercial banking business and

named former EY executive Kristin Milchanowski as its chief AI

officer.

Ernie Johannson, BMO's head of North American personal and

business banking, will retire in 2026, the lender said.

Sharon Haward-Laird and Mat Mehrotra were named co-heads for

Canadian personal and commercial banking. Haward-Laird will also

be responsible for Canadian commercial banking and North

American shared services, while Mehrotra will lead Canadian

personal and business banking.

Nadim Hirji, BMO's commercial banking head, will become vice

chair, the bank said.

All appointments are effective July 7, BMO said.