Two industry veterans will retire from DLL on April 7, 2023. Eileen Schoonmaker, U.S. General Manager - Soft Assets, and Amy Ventling Hester, U.S. General Manager - Hard Assets, have both recently celebrated 40 years in the vendor finance industry.

Schoonmaker joined DLL in 2000 and has held multiple senior leadership roles. Known as an inspiring leader, she has successfully led several transformational projects that have had a significant impact on DLL and its strategy. Since her appointment in 2020, Schoonmaker has guided the business through continued growth and improved profitability.

Additionally, Schoonmaker has been an active member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), sharing expert knowledge, building relationships, and supporting the advancement of the industry. She currently serves as chair for the Captive & Vendor Finance Business Council Steering Committee.  

Ventling Hester’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable 40-year career with DLL. Prior to her current position, she held leadership roles at AGCO Finance (a joint venture between DLL and AGCO Corporation), where she was involved in the launch of several new programs and products. Additionally, Ventling Hester was instrumental in the development and implementation of the highly successful Holmes Murphy Insurance relationship, improving the ease of doing business for customers.

Over the past four years, Ventling Hester has led the business into a mature and efficient operation. Furthermore, she has served as an active member of the Rabobank North America Leadership Team.

The search for a successor is currently underway. Until a successor is identified, Gustavo Lichtenberger has been named interim U.S. General Manager.