CIT expanded its Business Capital team with the addition of Aaron Kaplan and Mike Hampton as VP/BDOs for CIT Equipment Finance. CIT also expanded the role of Chris Wren, VP/BDO, in its franchise business.
“Expanding our business development team will enable us to drive our growth agenda and continue to be a leader in technology solutions,” said John Paradisi, chief growth officer and head of business development for Business Capital. “As the market continues to evolve toward technology managed services, CIT’s innovative structures and solutions will help customers quickly transition to the technology infrastructure of their choice. These additions to our business development team will enable us to deliver the expertise and financing needed to meet that demand.”
Kaplan joined CIT as vice president of sales and business development in technology for CIT’s Equipment Finance unit with focus on the vendor channel. Kaplan has a background in technology sales and experience growing mid-market and small business finance volume through the reseller community. Kaplan was instrumental in the development and rollout of programs at Dell EMC and Hewlett Packard Financial Services.
Hampton joined as vice president of business development in technology for CIT’s Equipment Finance unit with focus on the OEM space. Hampton is based in Silicon Valley but covers the entire U.S. with particular focus on manufacturers looking to leverage financing options to grow their business. Hampton brings experience in financial services in the OEM captive environment with positions at Cisco Capital, Apple and Juniper Networks.
Wren’s role as vice president of business development franchise strategy was expanded to encompass consumer-facing, multi-unit businesses in restaurants, hospitality and other franchised segments. In this role, Wren will leverage his 17 years of experience at Yum Brands, parent company for KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. During his tenure at Yum, Wren worked in positions of increasing responsibility in domestic and international finance, strategy, franchising and business development. His prior experience also includes working for Dine Brands Global, parent of IHOP and Applebee’s, where he led the international franchising and development efforts.