How Synchrony Helps Customers Shop & Save – Synchrony (2024)

Brian Doubles is President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Synchrony, one of the nation's premier consumer financial services companies.

Brian was named CEO in 2021, after serving as President for two years and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for 10 years.

As President, Brian led the development of Synchrony’s long-term strategy, driving profitability and growth, while creating value for its partners and shareholders. In this role he focused on Synchrony’s continued leadership in digital payments, accelerating growth, driving the company’s strategic initiatives and transforming how Synchrony works. In addition, he led Synchrony’s strategic prioritization process, including efforts centered around accelerating Synchrony’s digital transformation and commercial strategies. Brian also led Synchrony’s work to elevate diversity and inclusion, focusing on driving enterprise-wide action and change in workforce development and inclusion; financial growth and wellness; and racial equality and social reform.

As CFO, he played a pivotal role in Synchrony’s initial public offering in 2014 and separation from GE in 2015. Brian has a proven track record operating in various economic cycles and has earned a strong reputation for his deep domain expertise, strategic thinking, and financial and risk discipline. Prior to Synchrony’s founding, Brian served in various roles of increasing responsibility and management at GE.

Brian is a member of the Business Roundtable and Bank Policy Institute. He is passionate about community and giving back. In 2015 he founded the “Doubles Dive,” an annual, global polar plunge event that raises money for various charitable organizations.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Michigan State University. He is married with two children.

Max Axler is Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

Max leads the company's credit strategy and operations utilizing a comprehensive data-driven analytical approach. He leads Synchrony PRISM, which is the continued evolution of credit and fraud decisioning, as well as authentication, collections, recovery, loss forecasting, reserves and first-line governance of the credit function.

Prior to this role, Max was Senior Vice President, Deputy Chief Credit Officer, where he set the strategic direction for credit and fraud decisioning and implementation across Synchrony. Previously, Max led the teams responsible for managing credit and fraud losses across all of Synchrony’s sales platforms and partners.

With more than 20 years’ experience across audit, finance and credit, he began his career as a member of the Financial Management Program at GE Capital, subsequently served on the GE Corporate Audit Staff as well as in roles of increasing responsibility with GE Retail Finance (which ultimately became Synchrony). Later he joined GE Capital Commercial Americas as FP&A leader, ultimately being promoted to the Chief Financial Officer role for one of the GE commercial businesses.

Max is active in the Black Experiences+ diversity network at Synchrony and is a senior advisor to Synchrony's Women Confronting Racism internal working group. He represents Synchrony on the steering committee of Project REACh (Roundtable for Economic Access and Change), which brings together leaders from banking and other industries as well as national civil rights organizations to reduce specific barriers that prevent full, equal, and fair participation in the nation’s economy.

Max earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Michigan State University – Eli Broad College of Business.

Sue Bishop is Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

Sue leads Corporate Affairs at Synchrony, responsible for advancing and executing Synchrony’s strategic approach to corporate communications, employee communication and engagement, reputation management, public affairs, and advocacy on behalf of the company in service to its wide-ranging stakeholders, including employees, partners, and consumers.

Prior to this role, Sue was Senior Vice President, Communications & Brand for Synchrony. In the role, she was responsible for telling Synchrony’s differentiated story. With responsibility for external, employee, business and corporate communication, along with media and advertising, social media, and corporate events and experiences, Sue served as steward for Synchrony’s reputation while leading a diverse team responsible for delivering multi-channel content strategy. She’s been integral in increasing Synchrony’s external presence, developing the company’s perspectives on social issues, building belief for Synchrony’s strategy, and engaging Synchrony employees on business strategy and culture.

Sue has more than 30 years of experience in communications across a variety of industries and disciplines, spending nearly 15 years at GE where she held a variety of communications roles including the head of communications for GE Capital and director of employee communications for GE worldwide. Prior to GE she worked in various corporate communications roles at Textron, John Hanco*ck Funds, Tiller LLC and U.S. Trust.

Sue is a member of the Synchrony Foundation Board, a charitable private foundation established by the company. She an active leader with Synchrony’s Women’s Network, which brings together women and their allies across the company for mentoring, coaching and to address issues facing women at work and home.

Sue earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Boston University. She is married with two children and a proud "hockey mom."

Michael Bopp is Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

In this role, Michael is responsible for driving growth for Synchrony by designing data-driven, consumer-focused offerings that are scaled across Synchrony’s portfolios. He manages the company’s innovation and commercialization of digital products and capabilities by blending analytics, design thinking, and technology to create seamless customer experiences. He also oversees an in-house agency that includes a network of product developers, data architects, designers, strategists, and marketers with deep industry expertise.

Michael joined Synchrony in 2018 where he led data and analytics and most recently was the Chief Customer Engagement Officer. As Chief Customer Engagement Officer, he led the efforts to create a seamless, integrated customer experience for Synchrony customers. Throughout his career, Michael has focused on the power of analytics to create data-informed solutions that are responsive to customer needs and preferences.

Prior to Synchrony, Michael was President and Chief Operating Officer at Argus Information and Advisory Services. Previously, he spearheaded analytics and pricing for the retail card division of GE Capital. Michael also worked at TD Ameritrade and started his career as a data analyst in the U.S. cards division at Citigroup, where he subsequently held a series of analytics leadership roles in finance and decision management.

Michael serves on the Data Science Standards Board of General Assembly, which aims to increase transparency and access to careers within the fast-growing field of data science.

Michael is the executive sponsor of Synchrony’s Asian Professional Engagement Network, one of eight Synchrony diversity networks that promote diversity and inclusion throughout the company.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Connecticut. Michael is married with three children.

Alberto (Beto) Casellas is Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Health & Wellness platform of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

As the CEO of Synchrony’s Health & Wellness platform, Beto is responsible for driving growth through comprehensive healthcare payments and financing solutions with a network of health providers and health systems. Beto oversees the CareCredit health and wellness credit card that is designed to provide financing to those seeking health and wellness care for themselves, their families, and their pets. He also oversees Pets Best, a pet health insurance provider that helps people better manage the cost of caring for their pets.

He is focused on fueling Synchrony’s Health & Wellness platform growth through investments and the expansion of the business in its core markets as well as through an increased focus on wellness providers, health systems, hospitals, and strategic technology partners. This includes the recent acquisition of Allegro Credit, a leading provider of point-of-sale consumer financing for audiology products and dental services.

Prior to this role, Beto served as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Engagement Officer of Synchrony, focused on accelerating customer engagement and core analytics processes and initiatives across Synchrony platforms. Earlier, he served in numerous commercial, client facing, and leadership roles in other Synchrony platforms. He began his career at GE, where he had roles of increasing responsibility in sales, operations, and e-commerce.

Beto was born in Puerto Rico and is a champion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He is currently the executive sponsor for Synchrony’s Hispanic Network, one of eight Synchrony diversity networks that promote diversity and inclusion throughout the company. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Domus Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps thousands of disadvantaged children experience success.

In 2023, Beto was recognized as one of the “Top 10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America” by The CEO Forum Group and was selected to the Fast Company Executive Board.

Beto earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yale University.

DJ Casto is Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

DJ is responsible for engaging employees in Synchrony’s strategic business imperatives and building people-led development programs that strengthen culture, drive business growth and nurture the company’s talent as a competitive advantage.

Previously, DJ led human resources for Synchrony’s global enterprise operations and served as HR client leader for the corporate governance functions, including credit, compliance, finance, internal audit, legal, regulatory and risk. In addition, DJ was a key leader driving the human resources and cultural aspects of Synchrony’s separation from GE in 2015.

He began his career at PepsiCo in human resources field operations, advancing to lead Labor and Employee Relations for the North American beverages business, where he managed union awareness strategies and programs. He was later responsible for global career development and succession planning as Senior Director of Global Organization Development.

DJ is passionate about helping every employee live Synchrony’s values and is committed to community service. He currently serves on the boards of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) and buildOn, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering urban youth to transform their neighborhoods.

DJ earned a master’s degree in industrial relations and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Virginia University, where he serves on the Master of Science in Industrial Relations and Human Resources Executive Alumni Board. He is married with three children.

Courtney Gentleman is EVP & CEO of the Diversified & Value business platform for Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies. In this role, Courtney helps large retail partners deliver everyday value to consumers shopping for daily needs or important life moments through customized financing programs, multi-channel shopping experiences, and loyalty solutions for a variety of industries.

Prior to her current role, she was SVP & Chief Marketing Officer for Digital, responsible for driving growth and setting strategy for Synchrony’s highly innovative, digital-first partners. Additionally, she led marketing strategies, product development and consumer experience for Synchrony Bank and Synchrony Mastercard general purpose credit cards.

Throughout her time at Synchrony, Courtney has led growth strategies for a wide range of partners including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Sam’s Club, Amazon, PayPal, Belk, Ashley Home Stores, Venmo and Guitar Center. She has experience serving a wide range of industries including home, auto, luxury, marketplaces, department stores, furniture & home décor, power sports and music.

She recently served as the global network leader for Synchrony’s Women’s Network, a 6,000-person strong resource group. In 2020, she was one of four nationwide recipients of the Linkage’s Women in Leadership Executive Impact award, which recognizes executives who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the advancement of women leaders at their organizations. She is passionate about developing talent and is a fierce advocate for female advancement.

Prior to Synchrony, Courtney was Director of Strategic Alliances for the Association for Financial Professionals in Washington D.C., representing more than 10,000 members and was responsible for identifying joint venture and strategic alliance opportunities.

Courtney is an active member of the Chicago buildOn Board and was named Board Chair in December 2021. She holds a B.S. in Political Science from Villanova University and an M.B.A. from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Courtney is married and resides in Chicago.

Curtis Howse is Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Home & Auto at Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

In this role, Curtis leads the Home & Auto business platform at Synchrony, where he is responsible for the origination and management of a portfolio of consumer loans across numerous industries, including auto, furniture, home, powersports and others through private label credit cards and promotional financing. Curtis is focus on digital innovation and transforming the customer experience to deliver a seamless transaction process for merchants and consumers.

Curtis has more than 25 years of experience in consumer finance. Prior to this role, Curtis was EVP and Head of Direct-to-Consumer where he was responsible for the expansion of the company’s direct-to-consumer banking and products strategy. In this role, Curtis drove growth and digital innovation for Synchrony Bank, a $63B+ consumer bank platform offering an array of deposit and savings solutions, as well as the Synchrony Mastercard.

Prior to this, Curtis was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Diversified Client Group at Synchrony, overseeing several key partner portfolios. Prior to Synchrony’s separation from GE in 2015, Curtis held roles in operations, business development and client development at GE Consumer Finance, and led various business divisions in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Mexico.

Curtis is an executive sponsor of Synchrony’s African American Diversity Network, one of eight Synchrony diversity networks which promote diversity and inclusion throughout the company. He also serves on the Business Advisory Board of the College of Business at Dillard University and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.

Curtis earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from DeVry University.

Carol Juel is Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operating Officer of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

As a business leader and technologist, Carol is responsible for building Synchrony’s technology and operations strategy, including the company’s focus on end-to-end technology and operations solutions, creating seamless customer experiences, driving how the company will operate and modernizing engagement with millions of cardholders. During her more than 25-year career, Carol has played a significant role in the development of innovative Synchrony solutions for its partners, customers and employees. Carol is responsible for continuing to evolve new ways of working, including the company’s agile approach to promote speed and drive innovation.

Prior to being named Chief Technology and Operating Officer, Carol was Synchrony’s first Chief Information Officer leading the company’s overall information technology strategy and digital transformation focused on hybrid cloud and AI. She and her team also created leading payment and financing solutions for partners and customers.

Prior to Synchrony’s separation from GE in 2015, Carol served as Chief Information Officer of GE Capital Retail Finance. In her 10 years with GE, she held a variety of senior leadership roles in technology governance, security, business development, digital and marketing. Before joining GE, Carol was a technology consultant at Accenture where she focused on the financial services sector, developing technology initiatives that drove growth, and operational excellence for clients.

Carol is a passionate advocate for helping employees grow their careers, with a focus on advancing women in technology. Carol was appointed to board chair of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit helping to close the gender gap in technology. She also serves as the executive sponsor of Synchrony’s Women’s Network, one of eight Synchrony diversity networks which promote diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout the company.

She currently serves on the board of Brighthouse Financial and is a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Connecticut’s School of Engineering, the CNBC Technology Executive Council and the Fast Company Impact Council.

Carol was honored by American Banker as a Most Powerful Woman in Banking Standout in 2021, by the National Diversity Council as one of the Most Powerful Women in Technology in 2021, by ORBIE as the 2019 CIO of the Year and was named one of the most “Influential Women in Payments” by American Banker in 2016, 2017 and 2023.

Carol earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross.

Jonathan (Jon) Mothner is Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Legal Officer of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

In this role, Jon oversees both the legal and risk teams for Synchrony, including government affairs, corporate governance, privacy and litigation, as well as regulatory affairs, compliance, credit and financial risk, and operational and model risk management.

Prior to this role, Jon was Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. He played an instrumental role in Synchrony’s initial public offering in 2014 and separation from GE in 2015.

Prior to Synchrony’s separation, Jon was General Counsel for GE Capital’s North American retail finance business. He also served as Chief Litigation Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for GE’s global consumer finance business. His experience with GE Capital dates to 2000, when he joined the global consumer finance business as Litigation Counsel.

Earlier in his career, Jon was a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York, where he specialized in investigating and prosecuting federal crimes, including securities fraud, money laundering and bank fraud. Jon also worked in the litigation group with a private law firm and clerked for a U.S. District Court Judge in Delaware.

Jon is Chair of the Board of the Pro Bono Partnership, a nationally recognized provider of free business and transactional legal services to nonprofits, and is a member of the American Law Institute.

Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at Hobart College and a law degree from the New York University School of Law. He is married with two children.

Maran Nalluswami is EVP, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer. In this role, he uses his expertise in financial services and the retail industry to drive Synchrony’s long-term strategy, new business development, M&A, ventures and network partnerships.

Prior to this role, Maran was Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Diversified & Value and Lifestyle platforms, along with Business Development, where he led the teams that deliver financing programs, multi-channel shopping experiences and loyalty solutions for a variety of large and fragmented partners in retail, sporting goods, power sports, apparel, jewelry and music.

At the center of Maran’s work is his commitment to drive consumer and partner engagement by delivering value through Synchrony’s financing products and seamless consumer experiences. For more than 20 years, Maran has excelled at driving growth for Synchrony’s partners through strong leadership, deep relationships and a passion for the latest in innovation.

Maran has held multiple leadership roles throughout his career with Synchrony and GE Capital, and is passionate about giving back to those around him. Currently, Maran serves as a mentor for Synchrony's Asian Professional Engagement Network (APEN) and volunteers with CURE PSP, raising awareness and funds for Parkinson's disease research and to provide support and help for caretakers.

Maran earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland.

Darrell Owens is EVP & CEO, of the Lifestyle Platform at Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies. In this role, Darrell drives growth for Synchrony’s partners in powersports, outdoor power equipment and industries focused on lifestyle merchandise, including sporting goods, clothing, jewelry and music.

Prior to this role, Darrell was Senior Vice President and Head of the Lifestyle platform. Darrell is known for his strong consumer and commercial finance expertise, along with the deep relationships he fosters with partners. Darrell joined Synchrony/GE in 2010, and has held multiple leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including managing key relationships such as TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Marshall’s, Sierra, Home Sense, British Petroleum, Ashley Furniture and La-Z-Boy, and was a leader in providing financing solutions including private label credit cards and Dual Cards™ for these portfolios.

Darrell is a champion of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, with a passion for developing and mentoring others to reach their full potential. He’s held numerous executive leadership roles for Synchrony’s Black Experiences+ Network, and plays an active leadership role in multiple Synchrony programs focused on talent development.

Outside of Synchrony, Darrell and his wife, Deidre, have a vested interest in ensuring that students of color demonstrating financial need have access to resources to ensure their success. In 2020, Darrell and Deidre launched a new scholarship program, helping close the education gap by providing greater opportunities for students of color at Augustana College.

Darrell earned his bachelor’s degree from Augustana College with a major in Business, and now serves as a board member for the school.

Dana Randell is Executive Vice President and Chief Audit Executive of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

Dana leads Synchrony’s internal audit function, overseeing audit practices specializing in risk, compliance, finance, operations and technology – including cloud, mobile technology and innovation. Under Dana’s leadership, Synchrony is increasingly using digital and data analytics capabilities to drive audit decision making.

Prior to this role, Dana was Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Audit Executive where she led the technology and operations audit team. In that role, she was responsible for leading the adoption of best practices for the department, while ensuring alignment with the Audit Committee of Synchrony’s Board of Directors and other key stakeholders.

Dana previously held several senior leadership positions within Synchrony. As SVP, Marketing Engagement and Excellence, she was responsible for leading issues and risk management, governance, process risk and control, surveillance and analytics, within the Growth and Marketing organizations. She also has responsibility for strategic planning and functional learning and development. Dana was instrumental in elevating Synchrony’s new product introduction program, building effective surveillance activities and working cross-functionally to align governance routines with key business activities.

As SVP, Head of Audit for Professional Practices, she streamlined processes and reporting across the function with a strong focus on innovation, data analytics and automation.

Dana is a Certified Public Accountant and began her career in public accounting as an audit manager prior to joining Synchrony. Dana is actively engaged as a key participant in the audit and financial services industry through industry forums and roundtables, where she advocates for a more diverse and inclusive industry and profession.

Dana is passionate about championing women as a member of Synchrony’s Women’s Network, being an active mentor and sponsor to others, recruiting high potential early career talent through Synchrony’s Business Leadership Program, and providing support to local organizations supporting women in leadership. She’s an active supporter and ally to the LGBTQ+ community and supports local art programs in her community.

Dana earned a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Edith Cowan University in Australia and a Master’s in Accounting from Weber State University.

Bart Schaller is Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital platform at Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

Bart is responsible for providing comprehensive payment and financing solutions to partners and merchants who primarily engage with their consumers through digital channels.

Prior to this role, Bart was the Chief Marketing Officer of Synchrony where he led a team focused on innovation and driving growth for Synchrony through the development of new products, channels, and value propositions. Earlier, he led Synchrony’s Business Development team where he oversaw new partner programs, sales activities, strategic investments, and mergers and acquisitions opportunities. He founded Synchrony’s corporate venture team.

Prior to Synchrony’s separation from GE in 2015, Bart was Vice President and General Manager for GE Retail Consumer Finance, where he was responsible for the overall growth and performance of card programs and relationship development with retail partners. He was Vice President of Marketing, working with several large retailers and held prior roles in operations, marketing and client development.

Bart is an executive sponsor of Synchrony’s People with Disabilities Network, one of eight Synchrony diversity networks that promote diversity and inclusion throughout the company.

Bart earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University, where he serves on the Cox School of Business Alumni Board.

Brian Wenzel is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

As CFO, Brian ensures the continued execution of Synchrony’s financial and growth objectives, bringing a deep understanding of Synchrony’s business, people and partners to help drive sustainable earnings and long-term strategic objectives. His responsibilities include accounting and controllership, financial planning and analysis, tax, investor relations and treasury, the consumer bank, sourcing and real estate.

Prior to his current role, Brian was Synchrony’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and earlier, the Chief Financial Officer of the Retail Card platform. He was an integral part of the Retail Card leadership team, helping develop and expand key partnerships, while having responsibility for strategic plans, quarterly operating results and financial management of new and existing relationships. Brian continued to strategically diversify and expand this platform to best optimize growth for Synchrony and its partners.

Brian also held roles in business development, growth and investments for Synchrony. Prior to Synchrony’s founding, he held several roles in financial planning and analysis, treasury, pricing and controllership for various divisions at GE. Earlier, Brian worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and held various roles in a start-up healthcare venture.