BMO Harris Bank said it has promoted Chip Howard to managing director business risk officer for emerging markets. He previously served as head of commercial banking for the company in the Minnesota region.

In his new role, Howard will work with credit structuring for larger commercial loans in Minnesota, Indiana, Kansas City, St. Louis, Florida and Arizona. In addition, he will provide training and coaching, and a full range of credit support. The position is newly created to provide executive level credit assistance from within the commercial banking area.

“Chip’s 30 years of experience with commercial lending and his business acumen will be a great asset to the rest of the commercial banking team across several regions,” said Katie Kelley, group managing director for BMO Harris. “By taking advantage of his expertise, we will free up our commercial bankers to spend more time focusing on the customer.”