Manufacturers Bank, a member of SMBC Group, appointed of Hillary Savoie executive vice president and chief banking officer. In this newly created role, Savoie will be responsible for all client, marketing and product development-related activities for commercial and business banking operations, including the Japan/Asia business division. Savoie will report to Sander Pruijs, president of Manufacturers Bank, and will be a member of the Manufacturers Bank management committee.

“Hillary joins us at a pivotal moment as we transform the commercial banking business and continue to integrate with our parent company,” Prujis said. “She shares our company’s values and culture, and our focus to be the premier relationship bank for our clients. Hillary has an impressive track record and we are excited to have her on our team.”

“It is an exciting time to join Manufacturers Bank as it embarks on new endeavors to digitize, transform and expand the business. I look forward to working with the team to spearhead the growth initiatives that will take our commercial business to the next level,” Savoie said. “We will continue demonstrating to our clients that we have the right combination of strategic leadership, products, and services to help them reach their financial goals.”

Most recently, Savoie served as managing director and corporate banking group head at CIT Group, providing solutions to middle-market and mid-corporate companies. Prior to her role with CIT Group, she was senior vice president and region manager at Citibank, leading all aspects of business development, cross sell, portfolio management, execution, underwriting and risk management. She also held various senior relationship manager roles at Union Bank and Citicorp.