First Citizens Bank named Jim Hudak president of its CIT Commercial Finance group, a division of First Citizens Bank, effective immediately.

Hudak has more than 20 years of experience as a commercial finance executive and previously oversaw CIT’s commercial finance businesses from 2008 to 2019 when they were managed by CIT Group, which merged with First Citizens Bank last year.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Jim back and to leverage his experience and deep industry knowledge as First Citizens Bank continues to expand its commercial lending and relationship banking expertise,” Peter Bristow, president of First Citizens Bank, said. “Jim is a proven leader with a strong track record of supporting his bankers in serving middle-market clients across a wide range of market sectors. We are pleased he has accepted this critical role and look forward to his accomplishments in leading the next leg of our growth journey.”

“I am thrilled to join First Citizens Bank and to work with many of my former colleagues and many new ones as well,” Hudak, who will report to Bristow, said. “Strong relationships with clients have always been the keystone of our business model. As part of First Citizens Bank, the opportunities ahead are greater than ever.”

During his career at the former CIT, Hudak held several roles of increasing responsibility. Immediately prior to becoming president of commercial finance in 2008, he served as senior managing director of the company’s communications, media and entertainment business.