Bankwell Financial Group hires chief strategic officer

New Canaan-based Bankwell Financial Group Inc. recently named Christopher Gruseke as chief strategic officer of the company and its banking subsidiary.

In his role, Gruseke reports to the company’s executive chairman, Blake S. Drexler, and is responsible for executing the company’s strategic plan and growing profitability.

“Chris brings extensive knowledge, experience and focus that align with the vision we have as shareholders and directors of the company,” Drexler said in a statement.

Gruseke was a founding investor and director of Bankwell Financial Group’s predecessors, BNC Financial Group Inc. and The Bank of New Canaan. He has 30 years of experience in capital markets, operations, sales and finance, most recently as a member of the executive committee at CRT Capital Group LLC, a Stamford-based financial services firm. He also served as co-chief operating officer and member of the board of directors of Greenwich Capital Markets.

A New Canaan resident, Gruseke has trained as a chaplain in the Greenwich Hospital system. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Williams College and a master’s degree at the Stern School of Business at New York University.