NextGear Capital has announced two executive leadership promotions that it says will enhance support for independent dealers.

Lisa Mackie is now vice president of portfolio management, and Thad Sykes is now associate vice president of sales for NextGear Capital, which is a floor plan provider for independent dealers.

Mackie, now with 25 years of leadership experience in the automotive industry, joined NextGear Capital’s executive leadership team in 2017 as vice president of sales. She previously worked for Capital One Commercial Dealer Services, Hyundai Capital America, JP Morgan Chase and Ford Motor Credit.

Sykes has been with NextGear Capital since 2007, and his most recent role was as a division vice president. He brings more than 25 years of management and customer service experience from his prior positions at American Home Mortgages, Bank of America and Wells Fargo Financial.

“Both Lisa and Thad know NextGear Capital inside out, and their collective experience brings valuable insights, perspectives and leadership to our executive team,” NextGear Capital president Scott Maybee said in a news release.

Maybee continued, “Our leadership team is the best in the business, and we all share the common mission of helping our customers fully realize their business goals.”

The company made these changes after Maybee announced plans to evolve the way the company works together to improve the client experience. Part of that strategy is to strengthen the relationship between the sales and operations departments to boost clarity throughout the organization.