Finastra Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Finastra has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, finance, operations, risk management, human resources, and revenue generation.

Driven by innovation, Finastra is dedicated to transforming the financial services industry through comprehensive digital banking solutions and client-centric services, fostering collaboration and optimizing client outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Finastra

  • Chief Financial Officer - Carissa Kell
  • Lead Finance Business Partner & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, CRO - Shivani Thanalapati
  • Chief Operating Officer - Donald Baptiste
  • Chief Information Officer - Sanjay Jain
  • Global L Risk Management Chief of Staff - Sarah Stills
  • Director, Human Resources & Global Chief Technology Officer, Technology & Innovations - Alicia Walker
  • Chief Technology Officer & General Manager, Payments (Israel) - Boaz Krelbaum
  • Chief of Staff To the CTO - Valerie Saari
  • Global Project Management Office Leader & Technology Governance Office, Enterprise Technology Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer - Jaison Varghese
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Retail Lending - Michael Kinney
  • Carissa Kell - Chief Financial Officer

    Carissa Kell, the Chief Financial Officer at Finastra, oversees the company's financial planning, risk management, and reporting functions. Kell's strategic financial leadership ensures the fiscal health and sustainable growth of Finastra's operations across its diverse software and service offerings. This role involves managing capital allocation, investor relations, and driving financial performance in alignment with the company's global market presence. By meticulously analyzing financial data and market trends, Carissa Kell provides critical insights that inform strategic decision-making for digital banking services and implementation projects. The financial oversight provided by Kell is essential for maintaining Finastra's competitive edge and delivering value to stakeholders.
    Carissa Kell

    Shivani Thanalapati - Lead Finance Business Partner & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, CRO

    Shivani Thanalapati, the Lead Finance Business Partner & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, CRO at Finastra, plays a pivotal role in financial strategy and business partnering. Thanalapati collaborates closely with various business units to provide financial insights, support strategic decision-making, and drive revenue growth. This position involves managing financial planning and analysis, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring financial discipline across operations. By acting as a key financial advisor, Shivani Thanalapati directly contributes to the profitability and efficiency of Finastra's digital banking services and software solutions. The financial acumen and business partnership approach of Thanalapati are critical to achieving corporate financial objectives.

    Donald Baptiste - Chief Operating Officer

    Donald Baptiste, the Chief Operating Officer at Finastra, directs the company's operational efficiency and service delivery across its global footprint. Baptiste's responsibilities encompass optimizing implementation processes, managed services, and support functions critical to Finastra's digital banking solutions. This leadership position involves ensuring seamless client engagement from initial design through to ongoing support, driving operational excellence in upgrading and client advisory services. By streamlining workflows and enhancing service delivery models, Donald Baptiste directly impacts client satisfaction and the overall effectiveness of Finastra's market offerings. The operational strategies executed by Baptiste are fundamental to the company's ability to scale and meet evolving industry demands.
    Donald Baptiste

    Sanjay Jain - Chief Information Officer

    Sanjay Jain, the Chief Information Officer at Finastra, directs the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all aspects of IT operations, Jain ensures the seamless integration and functionality of Finastra's digital banking services and collaborative platforms. This leadership role involves managing the technological backbone that supports client advisory services, implementation, and ongoing managed services. Jain's focus remains on enhancing system security, optimizing performance, and driving technological innovation to support the company's mission of transforming financial services. By ensuring robust IT systems, Sanjay Jain directly contributes to the reliability and efficiency of Finastra's global operations and client support framework.
    Sanjay Jain

    Sarah Stills - Global L Risk Management Chief of Staff

    Sarah Stills, the Global L Risk Management Chief of Staff at Finastra, supports the strategic direction and execution of risk management initiatives across the organization. Stills works closely with leadership to ensure robust risk frameworks are in place for Finastra's financial services software and digital banking operations. This role involves coordinating cross-functional efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks associated with client advisory services, implementation projects, and managed services. By facilitating communication and driving action on critical risk matters, Sarah Stills contributes to the stability and integrity of Finastra's global operations. The focus remains on safeguarding company assets and client data through proactive risk mitigation strategies.

    Alicia Walker - Director, Human Resources & Global Chief Technology Officer, Technology & Innovations

    Alicia Walker, the Director, Human Resources & Global Chief Technology Officer, Technology & Innovations at Finastra, bridges critical functions of talent management and technological advancement. Walker drives the human capital strategy to support Finastra's innovation pipeline while simultaneously guiding the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions. This dual leadership role ensures that Finastra attracts, develops, and retains top talent in technology and innovation, fostering a culture conducive to groundbreaking work in digital banking. Alicia Walker's oversight of technology and innovations is paramount to the company's ability to deliver advanced software and services, directly impacting its competitive position in the global financial services market.

    Boaz Krelbaum - Chief Technology Officer & General Manager, Payments (Israel)

    Boaz Krelbaum, the Chief Technology Officer & General Manager, Payments (Israel) at Finastra, spearheads technological development and operational management for the company's payments division within Israel. Krelbaum directs the strategy and execution of payment solutions, ensuring they align with Finastra's broader digital banking and financial services software offerings. This leadership role involves driving innovation in payment technologies, overseeing implementation, and managing the business unit's performance. By focusing on the specific needs of the payments sector, Boaz Krelbaum ensures Finastra remains at the forefront of payment processing advancements. The technological expertise and management acumen of Krelbaum are vital to the success of Finastra's payment-related services.

    Valerie Saari - Chief of Staff To the CTO

    Valerie Saari, the Chief of Staff To the CTO at Finastra, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the Chief Technology Officer's initiatives. Saari facilitates the execution of technology roadmaps, ensuring alignment across various departments involved in Finastra's software development and digital banking services. This role involves managing key projects, streamlining communication channels, and driving strategic priorities within the technology and innovations division. By enhancing the CTO's effectiveness, Valerie Saari plays a crucial part in advancing Finastra's technological capabilities and supporting its overall mission. The organizational support provided by Saari is essential for driving forward complex technological advancements.

    Jaison Varghese - Global Project Management Office Leader & Technology Governance Office, Enterprise Technology Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Jaison Varghese, the Global Project Management Office Leader & Technology Governance Office, Enterprise Technology Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer at Finastra, oversees critical governance and project management functions within the technology division. Varghese ensures that technology projects align with enterprise strategy and adhere to robust governance standards, supporting the delivery of Finastra's financial services software. This leadership role involves managing the PMO and technology governance frameworks, driving project success, and ensuring compliance. By establishing effective project management and governance processes, Jaison Varghese directly contributes to the efficient and successful deployment of technology solutions. The organizational rigor brought by Varghese is essential for managing complex technology initiatives.

    Michael Kinney - Chief Revenue Officer, Retail Lending

    Michael Kinney, the Chief Revenue Officer, Retail Lending at Finastra, drives revenue generation and sales strategy for the company's retail lending solutions. Kinney leads the sales organization, focusing on expanding market share and achieving revenue targets within the financial services sector. This executive role involves developing go-to-market strategies, managing key client relationships, and overseeing the sales pipeline for digital banking and lending software. By focusing on revenue growth and client acquisition, Michael Kinney directly impacts Finastra's financial performance and market position. The sales leadership and market expertise of Kinney are crucial for driving success in the competitive retail lending landscape.
    Michael Kinney

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Finastra Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Finastra?
    Finastra is led by Carissa Kell (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Shivani Thanalapati (Lead Finance Business Partner & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, CRO) and Donald Baptiste (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Finastra’s executive team?
    The executive team of Finastra includes leaders such as Carissa Kell (Chief Financial Officer), Shivani Thanalapati (Lead Finance Business Partner & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, CRO), Donald Baptiste (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Finastra have?
    Finastra has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Finastra’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Finastra includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Lead Finance Business Partner & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, CRO, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Global L Risk Management Chief of Staff.