DLL reported CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board William F. Stephenson will retire effective Dec. 31. A search for his successor will begin immediately.
In his announcement to DLL’s global workforce, Stephenson noted his near-term focus will be on, “Ensuring the company has a strong finish to the 2021 business year and is positioned for continued growth and success in 2022 and beyond.” Additionally, he will play a role in finding his successor and ensuring a smooth transition for the new leader.
Stephenson has enjoyed a 35-year career with DLL and its predecessor companies. From humble beginnings as a local District Sales Manager, his career has followed a trajectory of advancement and growth with roles in regional and national sales management and subsequently business line general management. In 2008, he was first appointed to the Executive Board of DLL as the Chief Commercial Officer for Vendor Finance, prior to ascending to the role of Global Head of Vendor Finance in 2011. He was subsequently appointed as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board in 2014.
During this time, Stephenson played an integral role in the emergence of DLL as a global market leader within the vendor finance and equipment leasing industry. Today, the company is active in nine industry sectors, with operations in more than 30 countries and a managed portfolio exceeding $41 billion.
DLL has been ranked as the number one vendor finance company in the USA for 12 straight years by the MonitorDaily. DLL also is regularly recognized as one of the top leasing companies in Europe by various industry groups. In three of the past five years, the company has received the prestigious “European Vendor Finance Provider of the Year” award from Leasing Life, a top asset lending industry journal in UK and Europe.
In 2016, Stephenson served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA). He is also a recipient of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Leasing Life. In 2017, Stephenson was presented with the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) Chairman’s Award for DLL’s long-standing commitment to the construction industry.
In commenting on his retirement from DLL, Stephenson noted, “Over the years, it has been my honor to both witness and play a role in the tremendous growth and amazing changes at DLL. Most importantly, I have had the distinct pleasure of working alongside some very special and talented people. It is that peace of mind, knowing that I will leave DLL in good hands and in phenomenal shape for the future, which makes this difficult decision an easy and comfortable choice. It is the right time for me, and for DLL, to start writing the next exciting chapters in our respective histories.”