Lendbuzz, an AI-based fintech company that helps consumers obtain better access to credit when purchasing a vehicle, is proud to announce Stephen Linehan has joined its board of directors, serving in the role of chairman of the audit committee. Mr. Linehan brings over forty years of experience in the financial services industry as a CFO and public company corporate treasurer.
Mr. Linehan most recently served as the CFO of Fair Square Financial, a private equity-backed credit card company focused on the near-prime segment. As a founding member of the executive team, Mr. Linehan helped lead the build out of the company’s platform and execution of its strategic growth plan, culminating in its sale to Ally Financial in 2021. Mr. Linehan retired from Ally Financial in 2023.
“We are excited to welcome Steve to the board. He is a highly respected financial services industry veteran who has significant strategic and operational experience in enabling consumer credit companies to grow through cycles.” said Amitay Kalmar, Co-Founder and CEO of Lendbuzz. “Steve brings a depth of experience and perspective to the board that will be valuable as we scale our business into the future.”
Mr. Linehan spent 18 years with Capital One Financial Corporation prior to his time at Fair Square Financial. He served as Executive Vice President and Corporate Treasurer from 2003 to 2015, where he was responsible for the company’s overall balance sheet management including capital strategy, liquidity and interest rate risk management, global funding, and management of the investment portfolio. Additionally, Mr. Linehan managed the company’s relationships with investors, rating agencies, regulators and industry trade groups; having been actively involved in efforts to shape various regulatory issues affecting the banking industry.
“I am incredibly impressed with Lendbuzz’s ability to combine leading edge technology with disciplined credit underwriting, and sound operational and financial infrastructure to deliver highly valued auto lending products to undeserved consumers,” said Steve Linehan. “I am very excited to be joining the board at Lendbuzz, fresh off my experience in helping to build and run a highly successful fintech company in the consumer credit space, to help the highly talented team continue on its remarkable growth trajectory, delivering value to both the dealer partners and consumers it serves.”
Prior to Capital One Financial Corporation, Mr. Linehan spent seven years with the FDIC, serving as Assistant Director in the Division of Resolutions and Associate Director in the Division of Insurance. Mr. Linehan earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from Loyola University Maryland.
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