Discover Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Discover has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, and finance.

Driven by innovation, Discover operates as a direct banking and payment services company, prioritizing customer value and operational excellence across its diverse financial offerings.

Leadership Roles at Discover

  • Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments - Philip Sultan
  • Executive AssistantBank President - Bernadette Donohue
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Jennifer Goff
  • Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff - Laurie Certo
  • 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
  • Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff - Stacy Cohen
  • Compliance Program Principal & Chief of Staff - Neil Patel
  • Chief Technology Officer, Payments Technology - William Tong
  • Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff - Christopher Gibbs
  • Philip Sultan - Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments

    Philip Sultan, the Chief Financial Officer, Business Unit International Payments at Discover, directs financial strategy and oversight for the international payments division. Sultan manages fiscal operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring profitability and compliance within global markets. This executive role is critical for expanding Discover's international payment services and managing associated financial risks. Sultan's responsibilities encompass optimizing financial performance and driving sustainable revenue growth in overseas markets. By providing strategic financial guidance, Sultan supports the business unit's expansion and its contribution to Discover's overall financial health. The focus is on robust financial management to support international business objectives.

    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 high-level meetings, and facilitates communication across various departments, ensuring seamless operations. This role is pivotal in supporting the Bank President's leadership in driving Discover's strategic initiatives within the direct banking and payment services sectors. Donohue's responsibilities include preparing essential documentation, managing correspondence, and ensuring efficient workflow to support executive decision-making. By maintaining operational continuity and providing critical support, Donohue enables the Bank President to focus on advancing Discover's business objectives and market presence.

    Jennifer Goff - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Jennifer Goff, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Discover, directs strategic initiatives and operational frameworks. Goff ensures alignment across departments, translating high-level objectives into actionable plans for the direct banking and payment services divisions. This role involves close collaboration with senior leadership to optimize business processes and drive efficiency. Goff's oversight extends to managing key projects that support the company's growth in credit cards, student loans, and deposit products. By streamlining internal operations, Goff enhances the company's ability to deliver innovative financial solutions and maintain market leadership. The focus remains on executing strategic priorities that bolster Discover's financial performance and customer engagement across the United States.

    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, architects robust technology risk management frameworks. Certo guides strategic planning for technology operations, ensuring compliance and security across the payment services and direct banking segments. This leadership position involves advising on risk mitigation strategies and fostering a culture of proactive oversight. Certo's responsibilities include enhancing the advisory functions for technology risk, supporting the Chief Information Officer's objectives. The strategic imperative is to safeguard Discover's digital infrastructure and payment networks against evolving threats. By implementing rigorous oversight, Certo contributes to the stability and integrity of Discover's financial technology ecosystem.

    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, spearheads the development and implementation of critical operational frameworks. McGuire directs remediation efforts, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and enhancing internal control systems. This executive function is pivotal in strengthening the company's compliance posture across its direct banking and payment services operations. McGuire's strategic focus involves optimizing processes to address identified areas for improvement, thereby reinforcing Discover's commitment to operational integrity. By establishing clear frameworks, McGuire drives accountability and efficiency within the remediation office. The ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable compliance and operational excellence throughout the organization.

    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 technology leadership. Levorsen focuses on aligning business strategy with the Chief Information Officer's technology roadmap, particularly within the payment services and direct banking segments. This role involves translating strategic objectives into tangible technology solutions and operational improvements. Levorsen's expertise is crucial in navigating the complex landscape of financial technology and risk management. By enhancing business strategy integration with IT operations, Levorsen ensures that Discover's technological investments effectively support its market position and customer offerings. The emphasis is on fostering innovation and efficiency through strategic planning.
    Drew Levorsen

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

    Stacy Cohen, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff at Discover, enhances strategic planning and operational execution across key business units. Cohen collaborates with executive leadership to refine business strategies, ensuring alignment with Discover's mission in direct banking and payment services. This position involves driving initiatives that improve efficiency and foster innovation within the company's product and service offerings. Cohen's role is instrumental in translating strategic visions into actionable plans, supporting the development of credit cards, loans, and deposit products. By optimizing strategic frameworks, Cohen contributes to Discover's competitive positioning and its ability to meet evolving customer needs in the financial services sector.

    Neil Patel - Compliance Program Principal & Chief of Staff

    Neil Patel, the Compliance Program Principal & Chief of Staff at Discover, leads the development and execution of comprehensive compliance programs. Patel ensures adherence to regulatory standards across all facets of Discover's operations, including its direct banking and payment services. This executive function is vital for maintaining Discover's integrity and mitigating risks associated with financial regulations. Patel's responsibilities include overseeing compliance initiatives, fostering a culture of ethical conduct, and driving continuous improvement in regulatory adherence. By strengthening compliance frameworks, Patel supports Discover's commitment to responsible business practices and its reputation as a trusted financial institution. The focus is on robust compliance to ensure long-term stability.

    William Tong - Chief Technology Officer, Payments Technology

    William Tong, the Chief Technology Officer, Payments Technology at Discover, architects and directs the technological vision for the company's payment systems. Tong oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of cutting-edge payment technologies that support Discover's extensive network and services. This leadership role is crucial for ensuring the security, scalability, and efficiency of Discover's payment infrastructure. Tong's responsibilities include driving innovation in payment processing, enhancing user experience, and managing technology risks. By leading the payments technology division, Tong ensures Discover remains at the forefront of digital payment solutions, supporting both domestic and international operations. The strategic objective is to leverage technology for competitive advantage.

    Christopher Gibbs - Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Gibbs, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff at Discover, provides critical support for strategic business planning and execution. Gibbs collaborates with executive teams to refine strategies, ensuring alignment with Discover's objectives in direct banking and payment services. This role involves facilitating key strategic discussions and driving initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Gibbs's contributions are essential in translating strategic goals into tangible outcomes, supporting the company's growth in credit cards, loans, and deposit products. By optimizing strategic support functions, Gibbs helps Discover navigate market dynamics and achieve its long-term business aspirations.

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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 Jennifer Goff (Vice President, 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), Jennifer Goff (Vice President, Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Discover have?
    Discover has 10 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, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation.