Two BMO leaders among most powerful women in Canada
Women’s Executive Network (WXN) has named two BMO leaders to the 2023 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 – an annual award presented to exceptional women who make a transformational difference in their fields and actively shape a more inclusive future, especially in underrepresented areas.
BMO award winners Catherine Roche and Jamie Doolittle were celebrated at the 21st annual Top 100 Awards Gala in late November.
Catherine Roche, Chief Marketing Officer, was named in the C-Suite Executives category, which recognizes women who exemplify what it means to be a great leader, build confidence and champion others. She previously won the WXN Top 100 Award in 2018. Since joining BMO in 2016 as Head of Strategy, Roche has focused on integrating a customer-centric lens into all elements of the bank’s growth agenda. She co-led the development and launch of BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, which connects the bank’s business strategies directly to commitments for inclusion, sustainability, and economic prosperity.
“Catherine’s visionary leadership has contributed to driving world-class customer growth and loyalty, helping BMO’s clients across all lines of business make real financial progress. She is a role model for up-and-coming leaders eager to realize their career ambitions in an organization committed to making positive change and progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.”
– Mona Malone
Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of People, Culture & Brand, BMO
Jamie Doolittle, Head, Canadian Business Banking, Central Region, was named in the Emerging Leaders category, which recognizes women who have been targeted for successive leadership positions within their organization and have a proven passion for learning and innovation. In her current role, Doolittle leads a team of skilled banking professionals helping entrepreneurs in Central Ontario make real financial progress. She is responsible for key business operating decisions and tactical strategies that accelerate client growth at a regional and national scale. Throughout her career, she has delivered a consistent, world-class client experience rooted in BMO’s Purpose.
“Jamie is a staunch supporter of entrepreneurs’ and women’s progress in business and her career journey exemplifies the spirit of this award. Jamie’s leadership has cultivated a high-performing culture and engaged team, helping our Business Banking book grow and improving customer loyalty. She inspires those around her and empowers others to work towards a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence.”
– Erminia Johannson
Group Head, North American Personal & Business Banking, BMO
At BMO, we are committed to supporting the advancement of women. Women comprise 42 per cent of our senior leadership roles and 50 per cent of our independent Board of Directors. Our Zero Barriers to Inclusion strategy includes sustaining our current gender equity position within the range of 40 to 60 per cent of senior leadership roles held by women.
