Rose Patten has been named executive vice president of Human Resources at Bank of Montreal.

In her new role, Patten will be responsible for the bank’s enterprise-wide human resources functions as well as maintaining her current role as Head of the Office of Strategic Management.

“Rose will lead our efforts to more closely align our people strategies with our business strategies,” said Tony Comper, the bank’s chairman and CEO in making the announcement. “She will ensure that the absolutely vital people component is fully considered in all our strategic decision-making and implementation plans.”

Patten, who reports to Comper, brings more than 20 years of experience in human resource management and strategic planning to this position. She has led human resources, strategy and planning functions in several of financial services sectors including banking, investment banking and insurance.

“I am excited about accepting the challenge of combining strategy with people,” said Patten. “Strategies don’t always succeed because of execution — execution itself is a strategy and execution is about people.

“The bank has always been a pace-setter and leader in the human resource field. We have been an innovator on workplace issues and lead the way on employment equality, for example advancement of women. I look forward to continuing this tradition.”