LinkedIn: Synchrony’s Exciting Next Chapter

LinkedIn: Synchrony's Exciting Next Chapter

Synchrony's Exciting Next Chapter 
By Margaret Keane, Chief Executive Officer of Synchrony

Earlier today, we announced some important news in the next chapter of Synchrony's story: On April 1, 2021, I will transition to the role of Executive Chair of Synchrony's Board of Directors and Brian Doubles will succeed me as President & Chief Executive Officer.

While today's announcement brings with it a lot of emotion, what I'm feeling most is a sense of excitement. I've been reflecting on the incredible accomplishments of our Synchrony family. It's been an extraordinary journey, one that took us through a series of milestones including our IPO, the development and launch of innovative tools and programs and importantly, the establishment of our differentiated and caring culture.

Synchrony means so much to me, and one of my goals as CEO was to set up a thoughtful leadership transition with a hand-picked successor who will advance what we have built. There's no one in the world better equipped to do that than Brian. 

For more than a decade, Brian has been a close partner, confidant and friend. Our shared commitment to leading with values has underpinned a relationship that always prioritized honesty, candor and putting people first. We would not be where we are today without Brian's leadership. He's helped to build Synchrony every step of the way, including through our IPO in 2014. As CFO and then as President, he played an integral role developing and executing our strategies to drive profitability and growth. He's done this as a principled leader who lives our values and culture, ensuring they remain at the heart of how we support our partners, customers, communities and employees. Equally, he has worked throughout his career to make sure all voices are represented at the table, championing diversity and inclusion in all its forms. That will continue to be a priority for him as President & CEO, as it was for me.

For all these reasons and more, Brian will be a fantastic leader for our Synchrony family. He has the vision to take our company into the future. As Executive Chair, I'm excited to continue working with him, building on the partnership we've established over these last 10+ years. As I've shared with him, I will continue to support him and Synchrony in whatever way I can.

It has been the privilege of my career to lead this team of dedicated employees who have built Synchrony into an industry-leading business and a uniquely diverse and caring company. I have learned more than I could ever imagine about leadership, partnership and overcoming obstacles - especially in 2020. I will carry the lessons and the personal stories shared with me forever and am so grateful for the years of support from our team, our leadership and our Board.

We have plans in place to deliver a seamless transition in the months ahead. It'll be business as usual at Synchrony as I continue as CEO until April 1, when I will shift my focus to my new role. I look forward to working closely with Brian and our Directors to deliver Synchrony's goals and long-term strategy while continuing to tell the Synchrony story.

I want to close with a heartfelt thank you to everyone in our Synchrony community - especially our employees. You've all been an integral part of writing our story and you'll be an even more important part of all that we'll achieve in our next chapter. I'm excited about what lies ahead for all of us, and I can't wait to share more success, together, in the months and years to come.