Asset-Based Financing Funds (HPS Asset Value Funds) managed by HPS Investment Partners, LLC (HPS), a global credit investment firm with over $75 billion of assets under management, announced William (Bill) Stephenson and Thomas Lyle have been appointed CEO and COO, respectively, for their Global Leasing Platforms (the Platforms).

The Platforms include PEAC UK and PEAC Europe, both of which are B2B lenders focused on supporting small and mid-size enterprises, as well as the soon to be acquired Marlin Business Services, a lender specializing in providing financing to small companies, and collectively operate in 11 countries. The Platforms currently have balance sheet lease assets of $5.1 billion and annual originations of over $2.72 billion.

"We are extremely fortunate that these two industry veterans have recognized the unique potential our Platforms offer. We believe that the combination of Bill's leadership experience with Tom's operational expertise will be instrumental in our pursuit to create a leading global commercial finance organization," said Jonathan Ashley and Justin Staadecker, Co-Portfolio Managers of the HPS Asset Value Funds.

As CEO, Stephenson will be responsible for the implementation of the Platforms' strategic plans, with a focus on expanding and further integrating their global footprint to deliver integrated financial solutions to manufacturers and distribution partners in Europe and the United States.

Stephenson has held a variety of senior industry positions over the past three decades, most recently serving as CEO and Chairman of DLL Financial Services Inc., a global asset finance partner. He played an integral role in the emergence of DLL as a global market leader within the vendor finance and equipment leasing industry with over $36 billion of global leasing assets.

Stephenson said, "I am honored to lead these Platforms into their next phase of growth and look forward to building on the strong culture of sales and customer service that they have become known for. HPS has made significant acquisitions in this space, most recently with Marlin Business Services. I am excited to continue the integration, assimilation and creation of reliable value for our global customer base and look for new and innovative ways to further expand our suite of financing capabilities."

In Lyle's role as COO, he will be responsible for overseeing and increasing digitization and optimizing operating efficiencies across the Platforms, including developing shared servicing centers for their middle and back-office operations.

Lyle has held a variety of senior operational and industry positions over the past two decades. He most recently served as General Manager of Global Leasing at Xerox Corporation which managed over $3 billion of global leasing assets.