CHICAGO, IL – BMO Harris Bank announced today the formation of its new Hotel Finance Group. Led by Michael Watson, the new group will be part of BMO Harris Bank's Commercial Real Estate unit. Based in San Francisco, Watson's mandate will be national in scope, focusing on providing balance sheet loans to owners and investors of higher quality hotel properties across the United States.

"We're very excited to bring industry expertise to this under-served market, an attractive sector that represents a significant growth opportunity," said John Petrovski, Managing Director and Head, U.S. Commercial Real Estate, BMO Harris Bank.

"Hotel owners and investors are looking to their finance partners for expertise, exceptional customer service and a thorough understanding of the market, and that is exactly what Michael Watson brings to the role," Petrovski added. "Hotel owners are also looking for a financial partner that is committed to the sector through every stage of the economic cycle, which is a trademark of BMO's business approach."

The BMO Harris Commercial Real Estate team already provides financial solutions to hotel owners and investors; however, by hiring an industry expert, BMO Harris is targeting significant further growth in the sector.

About Michael Watson

Michael Watson has over 19 years of financial services experience. In his most recent role, he was a Team Leader of the Hospitality Finance Group at a financial institution in San Francisco, where his team provided structured financial products and services to leading hotel owners and investors across the country.

Michael has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Law and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia, and is also a CFA Charterholder.

Patrick O'Herlihy
Spokesperson
BMO Harris Bank