Berkshire Hills Bancorp appointed Peter Samson to SVP, commercial leader for Berkshire’s Connecticut region.

Samson joins Berkshire from People’s United Bank where he served as SVP and regional manager – commercial banking, focused on providing financing solutions and financial services to middle market companies. Samson has 26 years of commercial lending experience in the Hartford, CT market, including previous roles at TD Banknorth and Webster Bank.

Samson is leading Berkshire’s commercial lending team in Connecticut providing strategic direction to support and expand customer relationships throughout all lines of business including lending, depository, insurance and wealth management. He is working closely with
David Osella, SVP Commercial relationship manager; Susan Chamberlain, VP, private banking; and Ryan Shorette, VP, regional branch manager – CT, along with the business banking and wealth management teams.

George Bacigalupo, EVP and head of commercial banking, commented, “I am pleased to have Pete join the bank and take on a leadership role in our Connecticut market. With his extensive relationships and middle market lending experience in and around Hartford, he is the right person to build on the commercial banking success Berkshire has had in this region. The Hartford-Springfield corridor is seeing significant development including infrastructure and new businesses and we are excited about the growth opportunities available from combining an enhanced Connecticut team with our expanding presence in Springfield.”