AUSTIN, Texas — Innovative Funding Services has welcomed a new chief operating officer to the company.

Named recently to serve in the position was Robert McKie, who joined IFS from his previous post as vice president of sales at Wells Fargo Financial in Eden Prairie, Minn.

In his most recent role with Wells Fargo, McKie headed up five teams of sales professionals throughout the country. Officials said he helped them to increase market share, grow ROA and equity in 2008.

"In these challenging times Innovative Funding Services has built a team that provides solutions that are critical to lessors and fleet management organization," McKie shared.

"By continuing our focus and expanding our network of lenders we will be able to provide a broader range of services for all of our clients," he continued. "I strongly feel that 2010 will certainly be an exciting year for IFS."

Offering his thoughts, IFS president Tim Janssen noted: "With the incredible growth we have experienced over the last year, we needed an industry expert to guide our next phase of development and expand our lender relationships.

"Robert's 18-year track record in the financial services and consumer lending area makes him the perfect candidate to lead our team to new heights over the coming years," Janssen added.