CIT Group Inc. announced it has named Christopher M. McLaughlin as chief underwriting officer for the company’s Commercial Finance division.

In his new role, McLaughlin is responsible for leading a team of underwriters and portfolio managers across a wide range of business segments, including healthcare, energy, capital markets, maritime, aerospace, entertainment and media, sponsor finance, commercial and industrial, communications and technology, asset-based lending and syndications. He will be based in Manhattan.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to CIT’s Commercial Finance team as we continue to focus on managing risk while pursuing growth opportunities,” said Jim Hudak, president, Commercial Finance.

McLaughlin joins CIT from Capital One N.A., where he has worked in middle market banking in positions of increasing management responsibility since 2009. His most recent role was as head of underwriting and portfolio management for middle market banking. Earlier in his career, McLaughlin led underwriting teams at Merrill Lynch Commercial Finance Corp. and worked as a risk manager and underwriter at First Union National Bank.

CIT’s Commercial Finance division provides lending, leasing and treasury management services to middle market businesses nationwide. The division’s core strength is leading complex transactions that demand deep industry knowledge and customized solutions to deliver successful results.