Renee Hiner serves as senior vice president for global credit and risk at Volvo Financial Services, the captive finance arm of the Volvo Group. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Hiner has served in credit and risk management roles at nearly every level of the company, amassing both expertise and experience. Her diverse background and strong business acumen has directly improved VFS’s performance.
In the course of her experience, Hiner has developed strong expertise in credit and risk assessment, portfolio monitoring and compliance reviews, as well as developing and maintaining credit underwriting policies and procedures. She also has additional experience in conducting and analyzing credit requests for small business lending, working capital lines of credit and retail and wholesale financing transactions from all the major markets of the world.
“I have been fortunate to work in the equipment finance industry for most of my career, and I have felt like I have always had the opportunity to learn something new. In my experience, it has never boring,” Hiner says. “I am grateful to Volvo Financial Services for providing me continual opportunities to learn and try something different. I also have had the opportunity to work for great leaders who allowed me to have the latitude to try new ways of working and figuring them out on my own, while still providing support when needed.”
Beyond Hiner’s rich experience, she is an exceptional leader, inspiring those around her to do their best. She is an outstanding communicator, has high integrity and she demonstrates humility. She is the first person to say she does not have all the answers, and she strives to listen to others and incorporate their input into her decision-making process.
In the past year, Hiner has expanded the scope of her responsibilities – and that of the global credit and risk function – to better guide VFS overall. Specifically, she has helped grow the business risk and advisory area within her function to incorporate expanded knowledge and capabilities.
Raising the profile of the function allows Hiner and her team to better protect VFS’s business and ensure the company is not just aligned with its strategic aspirations, but that it continues to conduct business the right way and bring the most value to its customers.
Hiner excels at translating even the most difficult and complex topics into simple-to-understand ideas, which is critical to ensure the company is all working together as one team. Specifically, Hiner is often called upon to introduce VFS’s business to groups of new and early career colleagues. Her easy-to-understand discussions are well known and appreciated by many across the business.
“Renee exemplifies the very best of VFS and the Volvo Group, combining incredible know-how and expertise with a laser focus on safeguarding the company while helping our customers achieve success,” Marcio Pedroso, president of Volvo Financial Services, says. “She also brings a passion for mentoring and making those around her better, helping raise the standard for professionals at VFS and within our industry overall.”
“Make sure you always believe in yourself. You have a voice that should be heard, so don’t be afraid to speak up. Remember: if you have a seat at the table, it means that you were invited there and your opinion matters. Also, try not to focus on the negatives. Celebrate your successes.”