Empire Asset Finance added Katharine Rudzitis as vice president, Direct Originations, further expanding the firm’s direct origination capabilities as it continues to scale its equipment finance platform serving middle-market, private equity-sponsored and non-sponsored companies.
Rudzitis brings more than a decade of experience originating and executing asset-backed transactions for North American businesses. She partners closely with corporate borrowers, private equity sponsors and advisors to deliver flexible, tailored equipment financing solutions across a wide range of company stages and credit profiles.
Prior to joining Empire, Rudzitis spent 10 years at Macquarie Group, where she focused on providing equipment finance solutions for clients across the manufacturing, industrial, commodity and technology sectors.
“Katharine brings deep experience navigating complex equipment and asset-backed transactions and a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to serving middle-market clients,” said Rick Rockhold, CEO of Empire. “She understands how to deliver flexible capital solutions that align with sponsor and borrower objectives, and we are excited to have her join Empire as we continue to grow our direct origination platform.”
“Her institutional background and disciplined approach to sourcing and executing transactions are highly aligned with how we operate,” said Mike Miroshnikov, chief operating officer and chief credit officer of Empire. “Katharine brings a strong ability to navigate complex situations, combined with a structured, process-driven mindset that supports consistency and high-quality outcomes across a wide range of client needs.”
In her role, Rudzitis will focus on expanding Empire’s direct origination efforts and deepening relationships with private equity sponsors, corporate borrowers, and advisors.
Rudzitis holds a BA in Mathematics, English and Classics from Amherst College.
