Robert C. Otto, president and GM of Automotive Finance for Hitachi Capital America, will be retiring from the company in 2017.

Otto’s planned departure completes a 44-year career in the automotive industry, which began at GMC and Chevrolet. Otto created and launched the Automotive Finance Division for HCAC in 2001 and spent 16 years building the business to $700 million in transportation assets and nearly $1 billion in annual sales.

HCAC’s Automotive Finance Division specializes in financing all classes of commercial vehicles, including heavy duty trucks and trailers.

“We thank Bob for all of his efforts in building the business and positioning HCAC for continued growth and success,” said Ryan Collison, Hitachi Capital America’s president and chief operating officer. “During his tenure he made important contributions to the company while earning wide respect in the automotive industry, as well as across organizations.”

Otto will facilitate the transition of his role to a successor.