Open Lending Corp. removed the interim tag on Thursday and made Chuck Jehl its CEO and a member of its board of directors, effective immediately.

Jehl had served as the company’s interim CEO and chief operating officer since March.

Open Lending said Jehl will continue to serve as its interim chief financial officer while the company conducts a comprehensive search for Jehl’s replacement in the CFO role.

“Chuck’s exceptional leadership was confirmed while he served as the company’s interim CEO, just as the board expected would be the case,” Open Lending chairman of the board Jessica Buss said in a news release. “He has the full support of the board, and we’re confident in Chuck’s ability to lead the company into the future.

“He has built strong relationships with key stakeholders, employees, investors, financial institution customers and our insurance carriers and other partners,” Buss added.

Jehl has been CFO and treasurer for Open Lending since August 2020.

“Chuck’s talent as a proven financial and operational leader was evident to me and the other co-founders of this company back in 2020 as he was instrumental in taking the company public. My belief in Chuck’s abilities has only increased since then as he has taken on more responsibility year after year,” said John Flynn, Open Lending co-founder and director.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with today’s announcement, and I am excited about the future of Open Lending under Chuck’s leadership,” Flynn added.

Prior to Open Lending, Jehl spent 14 years at Forestar Group, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company, in a variety of executive leadership roles including CFO and treasurer from 2015 through 2019 and chief accounting officer from 2005 through 2013.

Before being with Forestar, Jehl held various leadership roles at Guaranty Insurance Services from 2000 through 2005, including COO and CFO

“I am grateful for the board’s trust and confidence, and I’m extremely honored to represent Open Lending and our team members as the next CEO,” Jehl said. “As we prepare for the next phase of growth, we remain focused on executing our strategic priorities which will position us well for the future. The differentiated technology solutions we provide to our valued customers, strong balance sheet, and financial flexibility provide an outstanding foundation as we navigate forward.

“I’m excited about the future of Open Lending.”