Encina Equipment Finance promoted Katherine Branch to chief risk officer. Branch will have responsibility for both new business underwriting and portfolio management duties. She will continue to report to Rick Matte, president and chief operating officer of Encina Equipment Finance.

Branch previously served as senior managing director of underwriting for Encina Equipment Finance. Prior to joining Encina, she had a 16-year career with GE Capital, where she held several roles of increasing responsibility in underwriting and portfolio management.

“I’m very pleased to announce Katie’s promotion,” Matte said. “Over the past few years, Katie has done an incredible job attracting talent to the risk organization. She has also developed strong and lasting relationships with our customers. I am excited to see how Katie shapes the risk organization as she continues to build this critical function within EEF.”

Launched in June 2017, Encina Equipment Finance provides loans and leases ranging in size from $5 million to $50 million and secured by essential-use machinery and equipment.