Insight Investments launched Insight Equipment Finance in Toronto, marking the expansion of its equipment leasing operations into Canada. Insight also hired Doug Johnson to oversee the expansion as executive vice president and country manager for Insight Equipment Finance.

“Insight’s momentum is accelerating and we are on a swift path to becoming the preeminent independent equipment lessor across all of North America. This market expansion follows our recent partnership with Harbor Capital, which increased our material handling capabilities throughout North America. Our experience, combined with strong demand for equipment leasing, makes it the perfect time to grow our business further,” Chris Czaja, president of Insight Investments, said. “Doug’s knowledge and experience are second to none. He is the ideal person to lead the effort in Canada and we are thrilled to have him on the team helping to position Insight as the unparalleled independent leader in the market.”

Insight Equipment Finance will help clients create and execute end-to-end leasing solutions for an array of asset types across IT, medical, education, modular building and material handling equipment. The company will enter the Canadian market with Insight Investments’ 30 years of experience and access to additional financing units Insight Financial Services and Insight Material Handling. The company has independent and non-institutional ownership and will provide solutions that address the entire equipment lifecycle, including its IT Refresh Contract, Asset Management Online System (AMOS) and 44,000 square foot asset return and remarketing center. It also will draw on the knowledge and resources of complementary Insight businesses, Red8 and 2NDGEAR, which provide IT solutions and refurbished technology equipment.

“Insight is a world-class equipment finance organization managing a significant asset base that offers the expertise, solutions and resources that are needed in the underserved Canadian market,” Johnson said. “Serving Canada is a natural extension of Insight’s business, and I am excited to be part of this stand out team that continually demonstrates its commitment to customers and is fully invested in this market.”

Johnson has more than 25 years of experience leading and growing corporate and asset finance businesses. Prior to joining Insight, Johnson worked for Macquarie North America. In his most recent role as executive vice president and division director, Johnson managed the enterprise equipment finance business within Macquarie’s corporate and asset finance division. He also was the general manager for the Canadian business responsible for sales and operations. Earlier in his career, Johnson held management and sales roles at Relational Technology Solutions and Comdisco Canada.