BMO Financial Group, the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, announced the appointment of Dr. Kristin Milchanowski as its new Chief Artificial Intelligence and Data Officer.
In her new role, Dr. Milchanowski will spearhead BMO’s artificial intelligence (AI), data, analytics, and robotics strategies, championing a transformative AI roadmap designed to optimize and enhance business value. She will also focus on data management and governance across the organization, further deepening the bank’s robust culture of innovation and accountability.
“Kristin brings extensive knowledge and expertise in transforming businesses by leveraging the full potential of their data and technology,” said Steve Tennyson, Chief Technology & Operations Officer at BMO. “I look forward to working with Kristin as we advance our Digital First strategy and harness the power of AI solutions that will differentiate the digital experience for our customers and colleagues.”
A Proven Leader in AI and Technology
Dr. Milchanowski is a global AI executive with over 20 years of experience, primarily in the financial sector. Prior to joining BMO, she served as a Global Innovation Partner and Principal at EY, focusing on AI, high-performance computing, and quantum technologies. In this role, she led a Global Lab dedicated to advancing these cutting-edge fields.
Her expertise includes artificial intelligence and bio-facial recognition, utilizing advanced analytics to combat illicit networks involved in money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and human trafficking. Dr. Milchanowski has international leadership experience in more than 20 countries, having scaled programs across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
She also contributed to the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI), supporting the publication of their final report in 2021. Additionally, Dr. Milchanowski is an Associate Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, where she teaches artificial intelligence.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Dr. Milchanowski holds a Ph.D. in Decision Sciences and completed post-doctoral studies in AI at the University of Oxford. She earned her MBA from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Operations Management from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. She also holds a Master’s degree in Theology.
An experienced board member, she currently serves on the Children’s National Hospital Foundation Auxiliary Board in Washington, D.C. Previously, she was an advisory board member for Lamborghini Automobili and served on the board of Blackguard Inc., a bio-facial recognition software firm.
BMO’s Commitment to AI Innovation
This appointment builds upon BMO’s significant investments in AI. The bank has been recognized by Evident AI as one of the top 10 banks globally in AI innovation, received the Commercial Banking Impact Award in the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics category by Datos Insights, and was named one of Fast Company’s most innovative companies in the world.
BMO actively sponsors and partners with tech accelerators and organizations across North America, including:
- Vector Institute: A globally renowned AI institute enabling businesses to responsibly adopt and accelerate AI.
- Creative Destruction Lab (CDL): A mentorship program for massively scalable, seed-stage science and technology-based companies.
- NEXT AI: A founder development network for entrepreneurs solving global challenges with AI-based ventures.
