Leominster-based Fidelity Bank has appointed John F. Merrill to the newly created post of president, chief financial designer and chief lending officer.

Merrill, a 28-year banking veteran, most recently served as a manager of Sovereign Bank’s business banking division, and was responsible for small- to medium-size commercial customers from Maryland to New Hampshire.

In his new position, Merrill will manage all aspects of consumer, mortgage and commercial lending, according to a statement.

"We are extremely happy to have John Merrill join us at a time when we are poised to substantially increase our investment in commercial banking all across Central Massachusetts," Fidelity Bank Chairman and CEO Edward F. Manzi Jr. said in a statement. "We’ve strengthened our leadership team with the addition of an experienced commercial banker who has deep Worcester-area roots and really knows the small and middle market business sectors in this region."