NextGear Capital, a Cox Automotive company, has announced the appointment of Todd Gunderson to the role of Division Vice President - East. Gunderson will be responsible for the oversight of the company's business development and growth throughout the Eastern region of the United States.

"At NextGear Capital, we are about building relationships with each of our customers and it is imperative that we position the right people to help us grow these relational opportunities," said NextGear Capital COO Shane O'Dell. "Gunderson's diverse background in the automotive industry is precisely what we need to best serve our customers in the Eastern region."

Gunderson previously spent 16 years with Wells Fargo's Auto Finance division, where he moved up in the ranks to the role of Senior Vice President, Credit Operations U.S. and Canada. He has also served as President of Company Store Operations with J.D. Byrider and Chief Lending Officer for Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union. Gunderson holds a Bachelor's of Science in Banking and Finance from Buena Vista University and resides in Greenwood, Ind.

In response to his new role, Gunderson stated, "The automotive industry is an ever-changing landscape with constant new challenges and opportunities. As an established leader in the auto financing industry, NextGear Capital has an impressive business model and I'm excited to see what opportunities I'll get to tackle in this role."