Pittsfield’s Berkshire Bank has named Charles N. Leach III to first vice president and chief investment officer. In his new position, Leach will oversee investment strategy, portfolio management and research.

Leach has 12 years of portfolio management experience. For the past three years he has served as Berkshire Bank’s vice president and senior investment officer, where he was responsible for investment portfolio management and counseling clients on investment planning, according to a statement.

In his three years at Berkshire Bank with the asset management/trust group, Leach increased client-based investments from $500 million to approximately $700 million. Prior to joining Berkshire Bank, Leach served as a vice president and senior portfolio manager for TD Banknorth, according to a statement.

"Chuck Leach has brought a new level of sophistication, skill and attention to our clients’ needs and objectives. He has demonstrated success in our clients’ portfolios by virtue of his performance and his exceptional investment discipline," said Thomas W. Barney, CFP, senior vice president and trust officer for Berkshire Bank. "We expect more of the same customer-centric dedication in his new role as first vice president and chief investment officer."

Leach earned his bachelor’s degree from Colby College and his MBA from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. Leach is currently a board member of Berkshire Children and Families. He lives in Lee with his wife and two children.

The bank plans adding portfolio managers to expand its current team of 22 staff members including six certified financial planners and four trust officers, according to a statement