NewStar Financial announced that it hired veteran credit risk manager Dan McCready as chief credit officer.

McCready joins NewStar from CIT Group where he was chief credit officer of CIT Corporate Finance. He has nearly 30 years of experience in leveraged finance and sponsor coverage. As a chief credit officer at CIT, he chaired the firm’s Corporate Finance Credit Committee with approval authority over a $10 billion portfolio and responsibility for approving transactions across all industry groups and product categories in the Corporate Finance division, including sponsor finance, asset-based lending and equipment finance. He was previously responsible for all underwriting across the firm’s Commercial & Industrial business as chief underwriter.

Previously, McCready held senior positions at GE Capital, CIBC World Capital Markets, Bankers Trust Company and Bank of America.

McCready will succeed Robert Clemmens, who helped found NewStar and has held the role of chief credit officer since NewStar’s inception in 2004. Clemmens will remain actively involved in the transition of responsibilities through his previously announced planned retirement in mid-2013.

“Bob Clemmens has played a pivotal role in building our company and establishing our credit track record,” said Peter Schmidt-Fellner, chief investment officer. “Bob worked tirelessly to establish our credit culture and his leadership helped guide us through one of the most challenging business cycles of our lifetimes. He leaves us with a lasting legacy and we are grateful for his many significant contributions,” he continued. “While it is difficult to lose a valued colleague, I am also excited about the opportunity to work with another top notch credit professional like Dan as we continue to capitalize on our strengths and further develop our credit practices across a broader platform.”