Great Rock Capital, an asset-focused commercial finance company specializing in middle-market lending, announced the hire of Michael Molenda as Managing Director of Originations. Based in Chicago, Molenda will be responsible for sourcing new investment opportunities and building relationships for Great Rock Capital, as they look to expand their capabilities in the Midwest Region.

"We look forward to the strong relationships and years of middle-market lending experience that Mike will bring to our team," said Stuart Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer. "The Midwest is the industrial heartland of the United States and the types of middle-market companies in this region are a perfect fit for Great Rock Capital's product line."

Molenda brings over 25 years of experience to his position at Great Rock Capital. He most recently served as Managing Director at Regions Business Capital, where he led the company's Midwest office. Prior to Regions Business Capital, Molenda was a Senior Vice President in Leveraged Finance at Capital One and led originations at Ally Commercial Finance, Merrill Lynch Capital and GMAC Commercial Finance. Molenda earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Michigan.

"I'm excited to join the Great Rock Capital team and expand their capabilities in the Midwest Region," said Molenda. "Together we look forward to providing creative financing solutions to middle-market customers in this strategically important region."