Montreal-based Laurentian Bank (TSX:LB) Thursday announced the appointment of François Desjardins as chief operating officer. The bank also announced its intention to name Desjardins president and CEO of the bank effective Nov. 1, succeeding current president Réjean Robitaille.

“The Board of Directors and I are very happy about François Desjardins’ appointment,” underlined Board Chair Isabelle Courville.

“Upon completion of the selection process which was conducted internally and externally in accordance with the bank’s succession plan, Mr. Desjardins proved to be the best candidate. During the course of his career with the organization, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, notably at the helm of B2B Bank, and we are convinced that he will successfully propel Laurentian Bank’s development,” said Isabelle Courville, board chairwoman, in a releae.

Desjardins, 44, joined the bank in 1991, and occupied several different positions within the branch network, before being entrusted with a mandate to establish the organization’s first telephone and electronic services.

In 2004, he was named president of B2B Bank (known as B2B Trust at the time), which has continued to grow under his direction to become a Canadian leader in serving financial advisors and brokers.

Most recently, he was named at the head of the bank’s retail services sector.

In his role as chief operating officer, Desjardins will continue to lead B2B Bank and Retail Services.