A two-decade broker channel veteran takes charge of two of the bank’s largest regional markets
BMO BrokerEdge has appointed Barbara Cook as regional vice-president for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Cook, who previously served as the bank’s senior business development manager for Toronto West, takes charge of two of the country’s largest regional broker markets.
Cook fills a position created by the elevation of Paula Oliveira, who transitioned into a broader strategic mandate across BMO’s sales and broker program functions.
Career rooted in national broker networks
Before joining BMO BrokerEdge in April 2024, Cook spent more than four years at Mortgage Centre Canada as vice-president of franchise development and later vice-president of national sales.
Prior to that, at VERICO Canada, in her role as vice-president of national business development, she recruited more than 26 brokerage firms into the network in 2017 and a further 19 in 2018, contributing more than $2.5 billion in funded volume during her tenure.
When she spoke with CMP in a Women of Influence feature spotlighting BMO BrokerEdge’s leadership, Cook explained the thinking behind her move to the bank-owned channel:
“When I heard BMO was returning to the broker space, I thought what a great opportunity to make an impact on this side of the business, and I made the strategic move in April 2024.”
Her standing in the industry extends well beyond any single employer. Cook joined the board of Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) in October 2022 as an Ontario director, progressing through vice-chair and chair before completing her term as past chair in October 2026.
A pivotal moment for the broker channel
In announcing the appointment, Jamie Doolittle, head of BMO BrokerEdge in Canada, pointed to the breadth of Cook’s career.
“Throughout her career, she has built a strong reputation for driving business growth, developing high-performing teams, and fostering meaningful partnerships across the broker community,” Doolittle wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Cook was direct about what she intends to bring to the role.
“I’m excited to step into my new role with BMO BrokerEdge and continue championing the growth and success of our industry. I look forward to working alongside the incredible team across Ontario and Atlantic, supporting our brokers, strengthening relationships, and building on the momentum ahead,” she said.
A multiple recipient of the CMP Women of Influence recognition between 2018 and 2025 and winner of the Women of Distinction Award at the 2020 Canadian Mortgage Awards, Cook has also been a consistent public voice for gender equity and mentorship across the broker community.
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