Andrew Mesches and James Renner Join The Alta Group, Further Strengthening the Firm's Expertise in Finance Industry

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Feb 17, 2011, 12:00 ET

RENO, Nevada, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alta Group today announced Andrew (Andy) G. Mesches and James (Jim) R. Renner have joined the global consultancy, each bringing extensive knowledge in helping banks and other financial institutions build successful equipment leasing and finance operations, with a focus on growth and profitability.

The new consultants join a growing team of experts in this specialized consultancy with working executive management experience in equipment leasing and asset finance. Their knowledge of best practices in equipment financing serves many industries as well as financial institutions worldwide. The firm's practice areas include mergers and acquisitions; vendor and captive finance; legal support services; professional development; and general consulting.

"Many of us at Alta have known both Andy and Jim throughout their careers and we welcome their depth of knowledge and skills to the firm," said John Deane, CEO of The Alta Group. "I expect their insights and counsel to have an immediate impact on our clients, especially those in the highly regulated banking industry where both of these gentlemen have so much experience."

Andrew G. Mesches, Consultant

Mesches brings extensive knowledge in credit underwriting, credit policy, portfolio management, compliance and collections. Prior to joining Alta, Mesches was executive vice president and chief risk officer at Key Equipment Finance in Superior, Colo., from 1995-2010. There, he was responsible for the management of Key's $10 billion loan and lease portfolio. Preceding Key Equipment Finance, Mesches worked for BancOne Leasing Corporation in Columbus, Ohio, as senior vice president for credit and operations. His BancOne responsibilities included management of a $5 billion loan and lease portfolio, various equipment management activities and human resources.

Previously, Mesches also held vice president and assistant vice president positions at San Francisco-based United States Leasing Corp. and Bank of the West, respectively. He began his career at the State Bank of Albany in Albany, New York, holding various management roles. Mesches also is a long-time member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) and currently serves on its credit and collections committee. He received a B.A. Degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

James R. Renner, Consultant

Prior to joining Alta, Renner spent many years helping financial institutions establish and build successful businesses in the North American equipment leasing and finance industry. This included 15 years as president of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance and its forerunner, Norwest Equipment Finance. During this time, Renner spearheaded the growth of the company's lease portfolio to $7.5 billion, establishing Wells Fargo as one of the largest bank leasing companies in North America. Before Norwest, he was president of First Bank System Leasing. Earlier in his career, Renner was a commercial lender for First Bank of Minneapolis before launching its de novo leasing operation. His first job in the industry was with Irving Trust Company in New York City.

Renner has been an active member of the ELFA for three decades, including chairman in 1999 and leadership roles on various committees. He also has held key positions with the ELFA Foundation, including chairman from 2002-04, as well as trustee and national development chairman roles. The Foundation honored him with a special recognition award in 2005. Renner received a B.A. Degree in economics from the University of Minnesota.

About The Alta Group

The Alta Group is the equipment leasing and finance industry's preeminent global consultancy, offering clients the unique combination of experience, expertise and executable counsel. The firm's team of 40+ executives globally has held senior management positions at many of the world's most successful public and private equipment lessors, manufacturers, banks and other financial institutions. Alta consultants are recognized as some of the most knowledgeable and thoughtful professionals in the global industry, who regularly combine their keen insights to serve companies seeking a competitive advantage in the dynamic equipment leasing and finance industry. The Alta Group's major practice areas include mergers and acquisitions; vendor and captive finance; legal support services, professional development; and general consulting. The firm is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2011. To learn more, please visit www.thealtagroup.com.

SOURCE The Alta Group