First Niagara Lures Chief Credit Officer from Citizens Financial

First Niagara Financial Group (FNFG) in Buffalo has snagged a veteran banker from Citizens Financial Group to oversee its credit administration.

The $36 billion-asset company said Tuesday that Liam Brickley will replace the retiring Kevin O'Bryan as its chief credit officer.

Brickley, who will be responsible for First Niagara's credit administration policies and function, served as chief credit officer for the wholesale bank at Providence, R.I.-based Citizens, where he worked for 20 years. He previously held varied commercial lending posts at Wells Fargo (WFC).

"Liam is a well-rounded banker with deep technical knowledge, enterprise-wide perspective, strong leadership skills, and a well-deserved reputation as a collaborative business partner," Richard Barry, First Niagara's chief risk officer, said in a news release. "I am thrilled to have him join our organization and am confident that he will add value immediately."