BMO Harris Bank Equipment Finance hired Michael Viola as director and team lead for its Chicago office. Viola will be responsible for the team’s Illinois, Indiana and Michigan markets.

“Illinois and Indiana both present tremendous growth opportunities for us, so bringing in a leader of Michael’s caliber will help us accelerate growth in these two key markets,” said Tom Sbordone, national sales manager and managing director, BMO Harris Equipment Finance. “Michael will be focused on business development and sales management in both states, as well as providing our customers with exceptional service and expertise.”

Viola, who has 25 years of equipment and real estate financing experience, has already expanded the Chicago team with the recent hiring of Patrick Dolan as vice president in the Chicago office.

Furthermore, the BMO Harris Equipment Finance team also recently added to its Phoenix office with the hiring of Ron Thurman as senior vice President. Thurman will be covering the Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Southern California markets.