Aaron Towns
Director, Commercial Banking, BMO Financial Group
With over 20 years of experience across finance, operations, and technology, I help businesses move further, faster—with strategy rooted in service and impact. As Director at BMO’s Commercial Bank, I lead the execution of BMO’s Diversified Industries Group, advising clients with revenues from $10M to $1B and serve as Ambassador for BMO’s $40B Empower initiative, focused on driving capital into high-impact sectors and unlocking new opportunities for business growth.
I take a holistic approach to supporting clients on their business journey—integrating solutions across Commercial Banking, Capital Markets, Wealth, and Retail to deliver long-term growth. My work blends three disciplines (operational excellence, financial expertise, and tech-forward thinking) to help companies gain access, insight, and the infrastructure they need to scale with confidence.
I actively collaborate with venture-backed tech companies—helping them advance disruptive solutions that spark innovation across manufacturing, education, healthcare, and logistics. By bridging the gap between visionary founders and institutional capital, I support industry transformation through strategic funding, go-to-market alignment, and long-range planning.
My career spans leadership roles at GE Aircraft Engines, Kroger Corporate, Fifth Third Bank, and National City Bank, where I led four business lines and introduced Six Sigma and lean practices to drive transformation. Today at BMO, I serve as a Director with BMO’s Commercial Bank—partnering with mid-sized and large businesses to deliver creative, strategic solutions that accelerate growth and community impact.
Outside the office, I serve on advisory boards and leadership committees for mission-driven organizations like the Milwaukee Academy of Science, Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, and the OCC’s Project REACH. My purpose is simple: to empower leaders and communities with the tools to rise, thrive, and leave lasting impact.