Star Hill Financial appointed Robert Cobleigh managing director and Michael Alverez account executive.

“I’m excited to welcome Robert and Michael to Star Hill. Rob brings more than 30 years of leadership and industry knowledge to the team that will enable us to reach even deeper into the equipment finance industry,” Hollis Bufferd, CEO of Star Hill, said. “Mike was previously at Ascentium Capital in the hotel and hospitality sector; we are excited to expand on the opportunities in those verticals.”

“I am starting to sound like a broken record, expansion, expansion, expansion,” Keith Smith, president of Star Hill, said. “From day one the goal was to organically grow. We launched the franchise division in 2021 focusing on tier 1 and 2 quick service restaurants, fitness and personal services. Bringing on Mike allows us to further penetrate our franchise business and expand into hotel financing. Robert’s experience speaks for itself, he is known for his industry expertise, strategic thinking and ability to drive growth. Robert will expand the equipment finance division by continuing to develop our WBE programs.”

Prior to joining Star Hill, Cobleigh served as president of Peapack Capital, where he led a team that built a portfolio of nearly $1 billion for Peapack Gladstone Bank in under five years. Prior to Peapack, Cobleigh held credit leadership roles at Santander, Bank of Tokyo, RBS-Citizens and Siemens Financial Services.

“It is an honor to join Hollis, Keith, and the team at Star Hill,” Cobleigh said. “Market demand by corporations and banks to increase their diversity reach is clear. These firms are actively seeking to expand their diversity relationships with WBE’s and others. As a WBE, Star Hill is in a very unique position not only to help expand the diversity relationship with these firms, but to also partner with and fulfill their asset financing needs. It’s a win-win and I’m excited to grow this business with the team.”

Alverez brings almost 10 years of industry experience. Most recently, he was a regional sales manager at Ascentium Capital, a subsidiary of Region Bank, having generated more than $100 million in business loans in the franchise and hospitality division.

“The energy of the Star Hill team is awesome. I am excited to work with seasoned industry leaders like Keith and Hollis,” Alverez said.