SAN DIEGO — LEAP Auto Loans, an auto leasing company serving consumers who have difficulty obtaining credit, named a new director of business development for the consumer channel this week.

Tapped for role is Kyle Kolsky, who is being charged with helping the company to continue its growth in this niche customer segment.

LEAP highlighted that Kolsky's experience spans management and leadership roles at HSBC Auto Finance, College Loan Corp., Gateway, Pepsi and Deloitte & Touche.

At HSBC, Kolsky was senior product manager in product marketing and strategy, leading the channel development of the prime and near prime auto program, which added more than $1 billion in originations annually.

Prior to that, officials recounted that Kolsky managed HSBC's sales operations team for the dealer channel, supporting and driving more than $3 billion in annual originations through a network of 10,000 dealerships across the country.

More recently, Kolsky served as an industry consultant in auto finance, working with well-known auto finance industry companies to improve their profitability through better pricing strategies.

LEAP pointed out Kolsky also brings additional consumer experience from Gateway Computers and Pepsi/Taco Bell.

"Kyle brings 10 years of consumer lending experience in both prime and subprime auto finance and direct mortgage banking to our team," stated Tim Condon, president and founder of LEAP Auto Loans.

"His track record with other companies in the auto channel will facilitate LEAP's expansion as more credit-challenged consumers look for opportunities to finance their vehicles," Condon added.

In other company news announced recently, LEAP Auto Loans was named one of San Diego Venture Group's 25 Cool Companies during its ninth annual Venture Summit.

Officials explained the networking group comprised of start-ups and venture capital investors recognizes 25 companies each year for their innovation and growth potential. LEAP was a unique selection among the other high-tech and biotech companies on this year's list.

The company will be honored at San Diego Venture Group's summit.