RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Bill Downe has announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group, effective on October 31, 2017; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Bill Downe will serve as Chief Executive Officer for the remainder of fiscal 2017 and will work closely with his successor, to ensure a smooth transition; and
WHEREAS, During Bill Downe's ten-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer adjusted earnings1 grew from $2.8 to $5 billion; and
WHEREAS, In that role, Bill Downe steered a transformation in the bank's approach to customer experience that included an unprecedented investment in forward-thinking technology infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Under Bill Downe's highly esteemed leadership, the bank fostered a vibrant brand and employee culture; and
WHEREAS, Bill Downe consistently championed the values of community giving and improving corporate diversity, particularly with regard to improving the representation of women in senior leadership roles; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Bill Downe serve as an example to all; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighth day of November, 2017, do hereby congratulate Bill Downe on his retirement and do herby express our best wishes for his continued success; and