Citizens Bank announces changes at the top

Citizens Bank New Hampshire has announced that Cathleen A. Schmidt, currently executive vice president and director of retail banking of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, will be named president and chief executive officer of Citizens Bank New Hampshire next month.Schmidt will succeed Thomas M. Metzger, currently chairman, president and CEO. Metzger will be named group executive vice president and deputy chief credit officer of Citizens Financial Group.Michael J. Gleason, currently executive vice president and New England director of government banking, will be named chairman of Citizens Bank New Hampshires board of directors.Each will assume these new roles effective in January 2006.Schmidt will be responsible for the performance of a bank with $9 billion in assets with 76 branches. Schmidt joined Citizens in July 2002 as executive vice president and director of retail banking of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, bringing more than 20 years experience to the Bay States second-largest bank. Schmidt will report to Robert M. Mahoney, Citizens vice chairman in charge of New England banking.Cathy is an innovative leader focused on providing outstanding customer service and product offerings, said Vice Chairman Robert M. Mahoney,She is a seasoned banking professional who will continue our commitment to serving our colleagues, our customers and the New Hampshire community.Prior to joining Citizens, Schmidt served in a variety of retail management positions at M & T Bank in New York. She has more than 14 years experience at Old Stone Bank in Providence, R.I., where she served as senior vice president of retail banking. Citizens acquired Old Stone Bank in 1994.I look forward to moving to the great state of New Hampshire and becoming active in the community, said Schmidt. Citizens is the premiere bank in New Hampshire, with No. 1 market share, thanks to our customers and colleagues. I am eager to join them and build on our outstanding record.Schmidt received a bachelor of arts in economics and psychology from Boston College. She will relocate to New Hampshire and be based in Citizens Bank New Hampshires headquarters in Manchester.Metzger will be named group executive vice president and deputy chief credit officer at Citizens Bank New Hampshires corporate parent, Citizens Financial Group.Tom has done an outstanding job in leading our New Hampshire team, said Lawrence K. Fish, chairman and CEO of Citizens Financial Group. Under his leadership, Citizens Bank delivered impressive organic growth as New Hampshires leading commercial bank, growing assets from $6.9 billion in 2003 to $9 billion today. Additionally, Citizens Bank was recognized by Business NH Magazine as the Business of the Year in 2004.In his new role, Metzger will report to Bob Gormley, vice chairman for risk management, and will support risk management activities across Citizens Financial Group, including credit transactions, portfolio administration, asset-liability management, credit review, compliance and operational risk, legal and corporate security. Metzger will be based in Rhode Island. He joined Citizens in 2002 as executive vice president and was named Citizens Bank New Hampshire chairman, president and CEO in April 2003.While I am excited about this new opportunity, I will certainly miss being a part of the Granite State, said Metzger. My wife Joan and I have made so many friends over the years, whom we will always remember. I have had the privilege of working with many talented and caring people both at the bank and in the community.Gleason will be named chairman of Citizens Bank New Hampshires board of directors. He has served on the banks board since 2003.Mike is a dedicated leader with close to 30 years of banking experience, said Mahoney. His record of success and long-standing commitment to New Hampshire make him an excellent candidate to serve as chairman.Gleason will continue in his role as executive vice president and director of the New England-wide government banking division and will report to Mahoney. He is responsible for cash management, financial advisory services, lending, general banking and investment services for the banks municipal customers. Prior to joining Citizens in 1996, Gleason headed the municipal banking group and money desk division at First NH Bank.I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Citizens Bank in this capacity, said Gleason. I look forward to working with other members of the board to continue the banks ambitious objectives of delivering the highest quality of service to our customers, colleagues and community.Gleason received an MBA in finance and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from New Hampshire College. He is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware. An active member of the community, Gleason serves on the cabinet for Heritage United Way and the board of directors for the Palace Theatre in Manchester. He lives in New Boston with his wife, Barbara. He has three daughters.Web site for Citizens Bank is citizensbank.com.