GE Capital’s Franchise Finance business has named three new sales representatives to deliver financing services to restaurant franchise operators nationwide.
“We continue to fortify our commitment to the brands and operators we support,” said Trey Brown, sales leader at Franchise Finance. “We pair sales representatives with brand managers who work directly with the senior leadership teams at the franchisors because we believe that, together, they bring greater value to both parties.”
Todd S. Jones, senior managing director of brand management at Franchise Finance, added, “We have insights about our customers’ strategic plans as well as their franchisors’ objectives for new unit growth, remodeling and refranchising activities. We use that combined knowledge to help deliver tailored financial solutions to our customers.”
Chris Thomas has been named vice president and brand originator. He was most recently the global leader of GE’s Experienced Commercial Leadership Program, the company’s premier organization for identifying and developing future sales and marketing leaders; he is also an alumnus of the program. Thomas holds an MBA and B.S. in management and international business from Penn State University.
Richard Derbonne is vice president and brand originator. Prior to his new role, he was a vice president and relationship manager working with recreation vehicle dealers as part of GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance business. His career spans more than 25 years in the financial services industry. He holds a B.S. in finance from the University of Houston.
Michael VanGrunsven is vice president and brand originator. He was most recently an assistant vice president of risk at Franchise Finance. For the 10 years prior to that, he held roles of increasing responsibility in risk, underwriting and portfolio management with GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance. VanGrunsven holds an MBA from Duke University and a B.S. in finance and marketing from Marquette University.
With more than 30 years of experience and $6 billion in assets, GE Capital, Franchise Finance is a leading lender for the U.S. franchise finance market. It specializes in financing mid-market, multi-unit operators in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Its team of industry experts helps operators realize their individualized growth plans. Customers also receive access to GE Capital, Franchise Finance’s proprietary industry research and cutting-edge digital tools.