Discover Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Discover has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to customer value, Discover operates as a direct banking and payment services company, prioritizing innovation and robust financial solutions across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Discover

  • Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments - Philip Sultan
  • Executive AssistantBank President - Bernadette Donohue
  • Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff - Laurie Certo
  • Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff - Christopher Gibbs
  • Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff - Stacy Cohen
  • Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation - Ashley McGuire
  • Senior Director, Business Strategy & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer - Drew Levorsen
  • Philip Sultan - Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments

    Philip Sultan, the Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments at Discover, directs the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for international payment services. Sultan oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal health for the international payments division. This leadership involves developing financial strategies that support global expansion and market penetration. Philip Sultan's expertise is crucial in navigating complex international financial regulations and optimizing revenue streams. By managing financial resources effectively, Sultan drives profitability and sustainable growth in overseas markets. The role demands rigorous financial oversight and strategic investment decisions to enhance Discover's global payment network capabilities and competitive standing.

    Bernadette Donohue - Executive AssistantBank President

    Bernadette Donohue, the Executive AssistantBank President at Discover, provides comprehensive administrative and strategic support to the Bank President. Donohue manages complex scheduling, coordinates executive communications, and facilitates the smooth operation of the President's office. This role is critical in ensuring efficient workflow and effective management of executive priorities. Bernadette Donohue acts as a key liaison, managing correspondence and supporting strategic initiatives undertaken by the Bank President. The focus is on optimizing the President's time and ensuring seamless execution of their responsibilities across Discover's banking and payment services operations. Donohue's support is integral to maintaining high levels of productivity and strategic focus within the executive leadership team.

    Laurie Certo - Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff

    Laurie Certo, the Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff at Discover, directs critical technology risk oversight and advisory functions. Certo architects robust frameworks for managing technology-related risks, ensuring compliance and operational resilience across the enterprise. This leadership involves close collaboration with technology teams to implement best practices in risk mitigation and advisory services. The focus remains on strengthening the company's technology infrastructure and safeguarding sensitive data. Certo's strategic input guides the development of proactive risk management strategies, directly supporting Discover's secure and efficient operations. Overseeing advisory initiatives, Laurie Certo ensures alignment with evolving regulatory landscapes and industry standards, bolstering the company's reputation for reliability and security in financial services.

    Christopher Gibbs - Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Gibbs, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff at Discover, drives strategic initiatives and operational efficiency. Gibbs provides essential support to executive leadership, facilitating the execution of key business strategies across various departments. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects, optimizing internal processes, and ensuring seamless communication between leadership and operational teams. The objective is to enhance strategic alignment and accelerate the achievement of Discover's business goals. By streamlining operations and supporting strategic planning, Christopher Gibbs contributes significantly to the company's agile response to market dynamics. Gibbs's efforts ensure that strategic directives translate into tangible business outcomes, reinforcing Discover's position in the financial services sector.

    Stacy Cohen - Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff

    Stacy Cohen, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff at Discover, spearheads critical business strategy development and execution. Cohen leads initiatives focused on enhancing Discover's market position and operational effectiveness. This involves deep analysis of market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal capabilities to formulate actionable strategies. Cohen's role ensures that strategic plans are effectively translated into operational frameworks, driving growth and efficiency. Collaborating closely with executive leadership, Stacy Cohen provides strategic guidance and operational oversight. The focus is on optimizing business unit performance and fostering innovation within the company's direct banking and payment services segments. Cohen's leadership ensures strategic initiatives directly support Discover's mission of delivering value to customers and stakeholders.

    Ashley McGuire - Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation

    Ashley McGuire, the Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation at Discover, leads the development and implementation of operational frameworks within the remediation office. McGuire directs efforts to establish and refine processes that ensure compliance and address regulatory requirements effectively. This involves designing robust operational structures that enhance efficiency and accountability in remediation activities. Ashley McGuire's strategic oversight ensures that all remediation efforts align with Discover's commitment to integrity and customer trust. The focus is on building sustainable operational models that mitigate risks and improve overall business practices. By establishing clear frameworks, McGuire strengthens the company's ability to manage complex compliance initiatives and maintain operational excellence across its financial services.

    Drew Levorsen - Senior Director, Business Strategy & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer

    Drew Levorsen, the Senior Director, Business Strategy & To The Chief of Staff & Chief Information Officer at Discover, drives strategic business initiatives and supports the Chief Information Officer. Levorsen focuses on aligning technology strategy with overarching business objectives, ensuring that Discover's IT infrastructure effectively supports its direct banking and payment services operations. This role involves developing strategic plans for technology adoption, optimizing IT resource allocation, and enhancing operational frameworks. Drew Levorsen plays a key part in guiding technological innovation and ensuring the security and scalability of Discover's digital platforms. By bridging business strategy and technology leadership, Levorsen contributes to the company's competitive advantage and its ability to deliver seamless financial solutions to customers.
    Drew Levorsen

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Discover Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Discover?
    Discover is led by Philip Sultan (Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments), along with executives such as Bernadette Donohue (Executive AssistantBank President) and Laurie Certo (Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Discover’s executive team?
    The executive team of Discover includes leaders such as Philip Sultan (Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments), Bernadette Donohue (Executive AssistantBank President), Laurie Certo (Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Discover have?
    Discover has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Discover’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Discover includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments, Executive AssistantBank President, Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff, Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff, Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff.