William A. Kosis

2021 Inductee, PNC Business Credit

William A. Kosis is chief executive officer of PNC Business Credit.

Kosis joined PNC Business Credit as its chief executive officer at its inception in 1997, and under his leadership, the business has experienced nearly 25 years of steady growth. Previously, Kosis managed the Bank of New York Middle Market Northern Team and started and managed the bank’s Middle Market Connecticut division. He later served as president and chief executive officer of IBJ Schroder Business Credit. Kosis launched the asset-based lending division of IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust and established the group’s well-respected national industry presence. He began his career in the management training program at G.E. Capital.

Kosis earned his Bachelor degree from Penn State University and his M.B.A from the University of Connecticut. He also completed post-graduate work at the Graduate School of Credit and Finance at Stanford University. 

Kosis is a member of the Secured Finance Network, enjoys yoga and is an avid poker player.

What advice would you offer to someone just starting out in the industry?
Enjoy the various assignments that come your way. Take the time to make friends and develop relationships on every project. Look beyond the task at hand. If you aren’t having fun, you may be in the wrong field. 

Remember what it means to be part of a team. Teams accomplish so much more than individuals. Learn how to stand out, not as an individual, but as a member of an ambitious and productive group. Always respect your colleagues and clients.

Be prepared to persevere through tough situations and overcome adversity. You will experience frightening and trying stretches in your career, but don’t let them deter you. Take responsibility and ownership of these challenges and be persistent in your efforts to work through them. The most difficult situations, while daunting, can present great opportunities to learn and grow.   

Have a plan for each stage of your career. Develop a vision for where you’ll be in three, four or five years. Think about how you’ll get there, what kind of mentorship you’ll need and what skills you should learn. Stay confident. Don’t be afraid to move outside of your comfort zone to pursue significant opportunities for career advancement.   

What are some of the most memorable moments of your career?
This question could take days to answer, as there have been so many memorable moments over my 40-plus-year career. Some of my best memories are of the great times I’ve had with colleagues, mentors, clients and competitors and the relationships I’ve been privileged to form over years of meetings, dinners, outings and other events. Some of these relationships go back many years – particularly with my second family here at PNC – while others are just beginning.

The work we’ve done at PNC Business Credit over the last 25 years also is the source of many proud memories. The business has grown from four offices with few employees to an organization with 600-plus employees and a presence in every major U.S. city and region. We’ve added several specialty lending groups with products designed to complement PNC Business Credit’s asset-based lending capabilities. I look back fondly at the early days and am excited to think about what’s to come.

What role did SFNet play in your career development?
SFNet has given me many opportunities to meet and understand my direct competitors, whom I greatly respect. Serving as a panelist for past SFNet programs and events provided me with opportunities to give back to the industry. The organization has been a great resource for keeping up with training opportunities and industry developments, as well as forging decades-long relationships.

How did you get your start in the industry?
I began my career in the management training program at G.E. Capital in 1978, where I received the education and support needed to launch a successful career in this industry. In 1983, I joined Bank of New York as a marketing officer and team leader in the middle-market lending department.  In 1989, I used the skills I had acquired to start the asset-based lending division of IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust and establish the group’s well-respected national industry presence. In my early years, I learned that a solid foundation in asset-based lending and willingness to take risks as an entrepreneur served me well throughout my career.