Ally Financial made a move on Tuesday to ensure a smooth transition involving one of the highest positions at the company.

Ally announced that Jenn LaClair will be joining the company as chief financial officer designate, effective Monday, with the intent that she be appointed to succeed the company’s CFO, Chris Halmy.

Ally indicated in a news release that Halmy will retire as CFO after eight years of dedicated service with Ally, effective March 1. LaClair will report to Ally’s chief executive officer, Jeffrey Brown, and be based in Charlotte, N.C.

“Since joining us in 2009, Chris has been a driving force in nearly every important and transformational initiative we've successfully undertaken as a company — from funding the business during the height of the financial crisis, to our initial public offering, to our efforts to grow and diversify Ally with new lines of business and offerings, he has been instrumental,” Brown said.

“Beyond his contributions from a financial perspective, Chris has served as a true champion of our culture, and a tremendous partner to me, the board and the rest of the executive team. I want to thank him for his contributions, service and leadership at Ally,” Brown went on to say.

LaClair joins Ally from PNC Financial Services Group where she spent 10 years in business and finance roles. Most recently, she served as the head of the business bank and was charged with setting strategy, driving performance and managing risk. Prior to that, she served as chief financial officer for all of PNC's lines of business.

Earlier, LaClair consulted with McKinsey and Company where she focused on strategy, efficiency improvement and operational transformations.

“Jenn brings significant experience from the financial services industry which will be key as we accelerate our growth and evolution as a leading digital financial services company, and we are pleased to welcome her to the Ally team. Beyond her deep financial acumen is a strong cultural fit with the leadership team, which will enable a seamless transition with Chris,” Brown said.

The appointment of LaClair arrives a few weeks after Ally shored up its efforts in Washington, D.C., with a new managing director for public policy and government affairs.