CIT Group Inc. announced it has named Chris Ralston as a director in the Lender Finance business within CIT’s Business Capital division.

In his new role, Ralston will be responsible for analyzing portfolio opportunities and engaging with independent leasing and finance companies to provide funding for lease or loan transactions.

“We are pleased to add Chris, an experienced executive, to CIT as we continue to grow,” said Hal Atkinson, managing director of CIT’s Lender Finance business. “His significant industry experience and solid capital markets relationships will broaden the market coverage of our team – a key component to achieving our growth initiatives.”

Ralston joins CIT from TIAA Bank Commercial Finance, where he had been vice president of capital markets. Ralston’s industry tenure exceeds 25 years with significant experience in a broad range of asset types, including healthcare, industrial and technology.

CIT’s Lender Finance business is one of the nation’s leading providers of capital markets funding for leasing and finance companies that seek to monetize equipment financing transactions, providing both debt and debt/equity solutions.