The Bridgehampton National Bank (BNB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridge Bancorp, announced the formation of the Equipment Financing and Leasing Department. James Thompson has been retained as senior vice president, corporate director equipment Finance.

Thompson brings more than 25 years of banking and finance experience to his new position. He began his career with National Westminster Bank in 1987, where he remained with the bank and its successor, Bank of America, for nearly a decade. He then became an independent leasing broker, establishing his own company, All Equipment Capital & Leasing in 1999. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, director of Equipment Finance with Astoria Bank, spearheading the bank’s efforts to establish its own Equipment Financing product. He was instrumental in the successful expansion of this business segment on Long Island.

In his role at BNB, Thompson is charged with developing and servicing the equipment financing needs of existing customers and attracting new customers in all markets.

“Jim’s proven experience and equipment financing knowledge has already made him a key addition to BNB,” noted Kevin L. Santacroce, executive vice president, chief lending officer. He will play an integral role in launching this new area of business for the bank and our customers.”

The BNB Equipment Financing department will offer businesses benefits in payment flexibility, speed of access, as well as financing options. Computers, construction equipment, food processing and manufacturing are a few areas upon which the new department will focus.