Bank of Montreal 2010 Annual Report Download - page 9

BMO Financial Group 193rd Annual Report 2010 7
Supporting our vision is a belief in the importance of both maintaining strong core
capabilities and investing in the quality and knowledge of the people who are providing
guidance and advice to our customers. We are maintaining a sharp focus on improving
our processes and technology to provide our clients with the products, services and
tools that will ensure their success in a fast-changing environment. We are intensifying
collaboration North-South and across groups to provide meaningful efficiency and
scale for the benefit of customers.
As the context in which we compete changes, strong core capabilities are critical to
ensure reliability and resilience. And we are continuing to invest with a view to meeting
future demands. This will ensure that BMO remains uniquely positioned to grow.
The progress of the bank relies on its employees and their ability and commitment
to deliver against these different elements. Every member of the team – from senior
management to investment professionals to front-line bankers – must be confident
and capable. We continue to invest in the skills necessary to sustain successful long-term
growth – and we are active in ensuring we have the best learning and development
programs available.
Generating returns for shareholders
Our focus is entirely on the things that will define the next phase of our growth and translate
our brand promise into a new set of capabilities – to support our customers in fulfilling their
ambitions in new ways… ways, perhaps, they have yet to envisage.
I believe that the potential returns from investing in our businesses today are better
than at any time in the past decade. In a changing world, it is likely that there will be
consolidation in financial markets that will create opportunities for BMO. Equally important
will be consistent investment in new distribution points, in finding new ways to reach
customers, and in product and service innovation that empowers those customers to make
informed decisions – always with the sure sense they’re in control.
BMO is a company deeply rooted in the economic success of North America, serving
customers for 193 years. For our shareholders, we are committed to building the value
of the bank and demonstrating consistent growth in common share dividends over time.
Our strategic path is clear; we are focused on performance in the year ahead and
confident in our plans to invest in future growth.
The opportunity to serve our customers is a privilege for me and for our entire team.
I thank our employees for their contributions in 2010 and pass on to you, our shareholders,
sincere thanks for your support.
Bill Downe
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S MESSAGE
We invest with a view to meeting future demands – improving
our processes and technology to provide our clients with the
products, services and tools that will ensure their success.