BOSTON — Berkshire Bank has promoted Rob Nichols, a senior leader with more than 30 years in commercial banking experience, to lead its business banking team as managing director.

 

In his new role, Nichols will oversee an industry-leading team of business banking professionals serving the needs of smaller to mid-sized businesses across Berkshire's five-state market, including Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont and Rhode Island.

 

Nichols' career includes a range of corporate and commercial banking leadership positions, including overseeing Business Banking teams at Citizens Financial Group Inc. and First Niagara Bank and as chief credit officer at a community bank in the Capital Region of New York. He joined Berkshire in September 2023 as senior vice president and business banking team leader.

 

"Rob is a seasoned, results-driven leader whose sharp focus on both the client experience and empowering his team will help grow our business banking franchise and deliver best-in-class solutions for our clients," said Sean Gray, Berkshire's president and chief operating officer.

 

A resident of the Capital Region in New York, Nichols is active in the community, serving as treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee for the Capital District YMCA and on the board of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, and has taught entrepreneurship finance at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.