Hometown Financial Group hires new CFO

Hometown Financial Group, a $6.5 billion mutual multibank holding company headquartered in Easthampton and parent company of bankESB, bankHometown, North Shore Bank, Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank, and Hometown Mortgage, has hired Reed Whitman as executive vice president, chief financial officer.

Whitman, of Boston, joins Hometown Financial from Brookline Bancorp, Inc., where he most recently was treasurer of the $11.5 billion holding company. Whitman brings specific expertise in community banking organizations that operate within the multibank holding company structure, as well as more than two decades of experience that includes leading transformational mergers and acquisitions, balance sheet restructuring, new business pitches, and process redesign and execution.

Whitman assumed the position earlier this month, ahead of the retirement of Gilbert F. Ehmke, who served as Hometown Financial Group’s senior executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer for nearly 10 years.

President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew S. Sosik says that Whitman’s understanding of the organization’s business model will be a tremendous asset to Hometown Financial and its continued strategic growth.

“Reed’s extensive experience in financial strategy, scaling operations, and transformative mergers and acquisitions will play a pivotal role in ensuring our company is poised for continued financial success while allowing our banks to focus on sustained growth in their individual markets,” says Sosik.

“At the same time, we’re grateful to Gil for his years of dedication to Hometown Financial, driving years of strong financial performance and solidifying our position as one of the largest mutual bank holding companies in the country. We congratulate Gil and wish him well in his retirement.”

“I look forward to working with everyone at Hometown Financial to have a hand in ensuring the organization remains able to execute its long-term growth strategy,” says Whitman. “I’m excited to play a significant role in helping Hometown Financial remain a leading player in the region’s financial landscape.”