Railcar leasing company Mitsui Rail Capital (MRC) appointed Kevin Cook vice president of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. Cook brings more than 17 years of experience in the railcar industry to his new role at MRC.

“We’re really excited to have Kevin join our team,” said Daniel Penovich, MRC president. “He’s earned quite the positive reputation in our industry, having formed strong partnerships in the petroleum and petrochemical industries over the years.”

Prior to joining MRC, Cook spent the past 17 years at Midland Manufacturing, a producer of railroad tank car valves and equipment in Skokie, IL. He served as general manager while at Midland, introducing several innovative products to grow revenue internationally. He also helped establish new standards that significantly improved the safety of transporting hazardous chemicals by rail.

Prior to his work at Midland, Cook held positions at ITT Engineered Systems, Grinnell and Tyco Flow Control.

Founded in 1996, Chicago-based Mitsui Rail Capital is a railcar leasing company and a fleet management and maintenance services provider to the North American transport market with a fleet of more than 9,000 railcars. MRC is a joint venture between Mitsui & Co. and JA Mitsui Leasing, headquartered in Tokyo.