Berkshire Bank has named Sumant Pustake its new chief transformation officer.

Pustake joined Berkshire in 2017 and was most recently the senior vice president and corporate development officer. In his new role, he will partner with Sean Gray, Berkshire’s president and COO, to drive business strategy and transformation, Berkshire said in a statement.

“The energy and depth of experience Pustake has added to our team strengthens our ability to innovate and strategically position Berkshire Bank to make a significant impact as a community bank,” Gray said. “Sumant’s expertise will be valuable as we work to deliver business growth to our clients. I am thrilled to have him taking on this expanded role as we move our businesses into the future and further transform Berkshire Bank.”

Pustake has more than 13 years of banking experience, most recently overseeing Berkshire’s corporate development efforts. Before joining Berkshire Bank, he was vice president and head of corporate credit for Commerce Bank and Trust.

“I am grateful to Sean and Berkshire’s leadership for affording me this opportunity. I am incredibly excited to accelerate growth at Berkshire Bank by leading our transformation and aligning our business practices with our industry’s evolving realities,” Pustake said. “Over my nearly 13 years in banking, I have fully embraced the strength of Berkshire’s culture and talent. Our customers rightfully see us as thought-leaders, and we must innovate and deliver to maintain their trust. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure our position as a leading community bank sustains for years to come.”

Berkshire Bank announced a plan last month the bank is calling Berkshire’s Exciting Strategic Transformation (BEST) as it attempts to improve performance over the next three years following a difficult year in 2020, when the bank saw substantial turnover in its executive leadership and a $554 million goodwill impairment charge.