COLUMBUS, Ohio — Huntington Bank appointed Tom Wirth to the position of auto finance product and strategy director. He will lead a team of 40 colleagues across product, strategy, underwriting, and risk management.

According to the company’s press release, Wirth, a more than 25-year auto finance veteran, main objective is to strengthen Huntington’s dealer outreach and product and service innovation.

“Tom has earned tremendous respect across the industry and dealer community alike,” said Rich Porrello, Huntington auto finance director. “We are thrilled to have him on the team to help drive our continued expansion. He has a proven strategic vision for delivering excellent customer service and aligning systems and processes essential for elevating performance and driving strategic growth.”

Wirth most recently served as senior vice president, indirect line of business manager and national retail executive at U.S. Bank, where he spent the last 16 years helping the bank grow its auto finance assets to $25 billion. The executive also spent time with Bank One Credit Company in Milwaukee, Wis.

“Huntington is renowned for customer-focused relationships and ingenuity,” said Wirth. “Expect that to continue, as we concentrate on helping a growing portion of the dealer community embrace a full suite of financial strategies that help their businesses perform.”

Wirth also served as vice chairman of the Consumer Bankers Association’s auto finance committee. He’s also served on the Association of Consumer Vehicle Lessors’ legal committee and is a past member of the National Vehicle Leasing Association.

Wirth graduated from the Consumer Bankers Association’s Graduate School of Bank Management and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Augustana College. He is a certified leasing executive by the National Vehicle Leasing Association.