LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc., a leading U.S. equipment leasing and finance company and subsidiary of People’s United Bank, N.A., announced the promotion of Michelle Speranza to Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer. Speranza will be responsible for strategic marketing and branding, as well as for ensuring close alignment between marketing and sales functions. She will continue to lead LEAF’s marketing department, which she previously served as Vice President.

“Over the course of her 12-year career at LEAF, Michelle has demonstrated a deep grasp of our business, as well as an extraordinary talent for creative problem solving,” says Crit DeMent, LEAF Chairman and CEO. “She’s an indispensable part of our organization, and we’re very pleased to welcome her onboard our executive leadership team.”

In her new role, Speranza will guide LEAF’s accelerating expansion into the small business finance space, in addition to working with the rest of the executive leadership team to develop LEAF’s broader strategic plan. She will also lead the charge as LEAF continues to integrate advanced marketing and sales automation technologies into day-to-day operations.

“As SVP and CMO, Michelle will become an even greater asset to the company of which she’s been an invaluable part since its beginning,” says LEAF President and COO Miles Herman. “We look forward to leveraging her insight, drive and vision as we plan and implement our strategy in the years to come.”