ORIX USA announced the launch of a new business unit dedicated to providing its financial services in the energy sector, ORIX Energy Capital (OEC). The team will be led by Josh Mayfield, a Managing Director and 15-year-veteran of ORIX USA. Most recently, Mayfield successfully led the Alternative Investments business unit, which he helped launch in 2010.

Managing Directors Jay Mitchell and Mark Tharp, along with Director Alicia Summers, join the team from CLG Energy Finance. Combined, they have almost 20 years of oil and gas lending and equity investing experience, and more than 50 years of asset evaluation experience.

“We’ve been patient in our search for the right people to be part of the energy effort, and we have found them with Jay, Mark and Alicia,” said ORIX USA Chairman, President and CEO Hideto Nishitani. “The team’s solid expertise and reputation, in addition to the recent pullback in the energy market, provide a nice entry point.”

While ORIX USA has invested in energy companies in a variety of ways within several of its business units over the years, it will now have a dedicated business unit focused on this broad and compelling industry. Having a team committed to private debt and equity in energy will enhance ORIX USA’s capital solution capabilities and strengthen the company’s presence in the sector.

“We are thrilled to be adding three individuals who provide enthusiasm, expertise and valuable industry relationships that will position our team for success,” said Mayfield. “Our new team will serve as the foundation for a dynamic business unit that will provide innovative capital solutions to energy companies and be a long-term player in this space.”

ORIX Energy Capital (OEC) provides private debt and equity capital across a broad range of energy-related companies, including exploration and production, midstream, services and alternative energy, throughout the U.S. and Canada. The team specializes in designing flexible debt capital ranging from $10 million to $50 million, with equity capital available alongside a debt facility or as a standalone investment. OEC is a business unit of ORIX USA, a Dallas-based financial services firm known for providing innovative capital solutions that clients need to propel their business to the next level.