Hitachi Business Finance announced that MJ Hilker joined its team as regional SVP, Business Development. Hilker will focus on building the company’s presence in Ohio, Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania, according to Mike Semanco, Hitachi Business Finance Division president & COO.

“MJ brings a unique blend of financial acumen and industry knowledge to this role. Her extensive experience in asset-based lending and factoring will be a tremendous advantage to the businesses she will work with. We are pleased to have her as part of the Hitachi team,” said Semanco.

In her role, Hilker is responsible for connecting with business owners and communicating the variety of creative, flexible financing options offered by Hitachi Business Finance. She will act as a resource to help entrepreneurs determine the most effective means to accessing capital for their businesses.

Hilker maintains an office in Cleveland and brings more than 25 years of experience in financing and investing in growing companies. Most recently, she was with Great Lakes Business Credit, where she served as regional marketing director. Hilker also worked at Corporate Management Solutions helping clients refinance, restructure and obtain bank financing. During her career, she successfully piloted business development at Great Lakes Business Credit, First Capital and Summit Financial Resources.

Hilker was previously co-founder and chief investment officer at Liberty BIDCO Investment Corporation.

Hilker is an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Turnaround Management Association (TMA), Commercial Finance Association (CFA), International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), Tristate Association for Corporate Renewal (TACR), WIRE-Net and the Ohio Business Brokers Association (OBBA).