Mitsubishi HC Capital America hired Anand Rao as managing director of private credit for its structured finance division.

With more than 20 years of experience in leveraged finance, distressed investments and restructurings, Rao will be responsible for building and expanding activity across the organization involving private credit, direct lending and strategic equity investments.

“We are thrilled to welcome Anand to lead the expansion of our private credit business,” Chris Pagano, senior vice president and head of structured finance at Mitsubishi HC Capital America, said. “Anand’s expertise and proven track record of developing private debt platforms across leveraged finance markets will be instrumental as we look to further develop this critical aspect of our business.”

Rao most recently served as senior vice president at Audax Private Debt, where he helped develop and grow the company’s private debt platform. Rao also held leadership roles in distressed credit and leveraged loan portfolio management at GE Capital. He began his career at Vanderbilt Capital Advisors and Thomson Reuters, where he performed investment research and analysis.

“I am looking forward to bringing innovative solutions to our clients in the middle market space and excited to join the team at Mitsubishi HC Capital America,” Rao said. “With the growing demand for private credit, this is the perfect time to leverage our capabilities and drive the next phase of strategic growth.”