Toronto-based Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) announced numerous executive changes on Thursday, designed to align the bank’s “focus on being a strong, innovative and relationship-oriented bank.”

“We’ve made much progress over the last year to continue to strengthen how we serve our clients,” says Victor Dodig, president and CEO of CIBC, in a statement. “Today’s changes support our natural evolution and build upon our momentum as we head into 2016.”

David Williamson, senior executive vice president and group head, retail and business banking, will take on additional responsibility for bank-wide innovation in an effort to find new ways to make banking more flexible and easier for clients, according to the announcement.

Mike Capatides, senior executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, is tasked with finding ways to simplify the bank to make it “easier for our clients to do business, easier to get work done and to free up resources to reinvest in the business,” states the announcement.

Stephen Forbes, currently executive vice president, brand, corporate and client relationships, has been named executive vice president and chief commercial officer, and will take on expanded responsibility for the bank’s goal of becoming the leader in client relationships by enhancing their experience and satisfaction.

“[Forbes] will take on expanded responsibility for the bank’s goal of becoming the leader in client relationships by enhancing their experience and satisfaction at every interaction,” the announcement states.

Harry Culham, has been named senior executive vice president and group head, wholesale banking.

CIBC also announced that Geoff Belsher, group co-head of CIBC’s wholesale banking business will be retiring on Sept. 30.

“I would like to thank Geoff for his contributions to our bank. He has been an important part of our team and we wish him much success in the future,” says Dodig.

CIBC also announced the following executive changes:

  • Laura Dottori-Attanasio, senior executive vice president and chief risk officer, will take on expanded responsibility for compliance and anti-money laundering.
  • Kevin Patterson, senior executive vice president, technology and operations, will take on expanded responsibility for corporate security.
  • Jon Hountalas, executive vice president, is taking on a new role overseeing CIBC’s business and corporate banking businesses. He will join CIBC’s Executive Committee.
  • Christina Kramer, executive vice president, retail distribution and channel strategy, tales on added responsibility for the operations of President’s Choice Financial, whose personal banking services are provided by the direct banking division of CIBC. She will also join CIBC’s Executive Committee.
  • Sandy Sharman has been named executive vice president and chief human resources officer, with responsibility for talent and people strategies. She too will join CIBC’s Executive Committee.

The announcement notes that Steve Geist, senior executive vice president and group head, wealth management, and Kevin Glass, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, continue with their current responsibilities.