Octane Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Octane has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, financial operations, legal compliance, and accounting.

By simplifying the powersports purchasing experience, Octane empowers enthusiasts to acquire vehicles through instant, frictionless financing solutions while bridging the gap between digital research and dealership transactions.

Leadership Roles at Octane

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jason Guss
  • President & Chief Financial Officer - Steven Fernald
  • Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Kartik Kothari
  • Chief Technology Officer - Murali Vajjiravel
  • Chief Legal Officer - Sean Fernandez-Ledon
  • Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller - Ben Ndoping
  • Jason Guss - Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Guss, the Chief Executive Officer at Octane, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the fintech platform. Overseeing the integration of editorial content with financial services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a dominant position within the powersports market. Guss drives the expansion of digital financing tools that allow consumers to prequalify for loans without impacting credit scores. By fostering partnerships with dealerships across the United States, the Chief Executive Officer scales the reach of the platform to meet growing consumer demand. Jason Guss maintains alignment between the product roadmap and the mission to connect riders with their passions. Through constant innovation in the lending space, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive advantage of the firm while managing relationships with key stakeholders and investors to support sustainable growth.
    Jason Guss

    Steven Fernald - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Steven Fernald, the President & Chief Financial Officer at Octane, manages the financial health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing the treasury and financial planning departments, the President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains sufficient liquidity to support lending activities. Fernald drives the strategic allocation of resources to fuel growth in the powersports sector. By coordinating with the executive team, the President & Chief Financial Officer aligns fiscal objectives with the broader mission of providing accessible financing. Steven Fernald monitors market trends to mitigate financial risks and optimize the cost of capital. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in the fintech industry. Through rigorous financial analysis and disciplined capital management, the President & Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term stability of the firm while enabling the expansion of service offerings to riders nationwide.
    Steven Fernald

    Kartik Kothari - Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Kartik Kothari, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Octane, executes complex financial modeling and operational budgeting to support the company's lending portfolio. Overseeing the day-to-day financial operations, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures accurate reporting and efficient cash flow management. Kothari drives the analysis of loan performance metrics to refine underwriting criteria and improve profitability. By collaborating with the finance department, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the strategic initiatives of the firm. Kartik Kothari manages the internal controls necessary for scaling the business across diverse regional markets. This leadership role involves providing actionable insights to the executive team regarding revenue growth and cost optimization. Through the implementation of robust financial systems, the Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer strengthens the operational foundation required to deliver frictionless financing to powersports enthusiasts.

    Murali Vajjiravel - Chief Technology Officer

    Murali Vajjiravel, the Chief Technology Officer at Octane, architects the scalable software infrastructure that powers the instant financing engine. Overseeing the engineering teams, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the seamless operation of the digital platform where users research vehicles and check loan rates. Vajjiravel drives the development of proprietary algorithms that facilitate frictionless credit decisions for powersports shoppers. By managing the technical integration with dealership networks, the Chief Technology Officer optimizes the transaction flow from initial inquiry to final purchase. Murali Vajjiravel maintains high standards for data security and system reliability across all digital touchpoints. This leadership role involves constant iteration of the user interface to improve conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Through the implementation of advanced cloud technologies, the Chief Technology Officer supports the rapid scaling of operations across North American markets while ensuring robust performance for all platform users.
    Murali Vajjiravel
    Sean Fernandez-Ledon, the Chief Legal Officer at Octane, directs all legal affairs and regulatory compliance initiatives for the fintech platform. Overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer ensures the company adheres to state and federal lending laws while facilitating expansion into new territories. Fernandez-Ledon drives the negotiation of partnership agreements with dealerships and financial institutions. By managing intellectual property and corporate governance, the Chief Legal Officer protects the interests of the firm. Sean Fernandez-Ledon provides counsel on risk management strategies to support the development of new financing products. This leadership role involves navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the powersports industry to ensure seamless operations. Through proactive legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer maintains the integrity of the business model while enabling the company to scale its services safely and effectively across the entire United States market.
    Sean Fernandez-Ledon

    Ben Ndoping - Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller

    Ben Ndoping, the Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller at Octane, manages the integrity of financial reporting and accounting standards. Overseeing the accounting team, the Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller ensures compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements. Ndoping drives the implementation of advanced accounting software to streamline the closing process and improve data accuracy. By monitoring the financial health of the organization, the Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller provides the executive team with precise information for strategic decision-making. Ben Ndoping manages the audit process and maintains strong internal controls to support the growth of the lending business. This leadership role involves coordinating with external partners to ensure transparency in all financial disclosures. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller secures the financial foundation of the company.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Octane Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Octane?
    Octane is led by Jason Guss (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Steven Fernald (President & Chief Financial Officer) and Kartik Kothari (Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Octane’s executive team?
    The executive team of Octane includes leaders such as Jason Guss (Chief Executive Officer), Steven Fernald (President & Chief Financial Officer), Kartik Kothari (Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Octane have?
    Octane has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Octane’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Octane includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Legal Officer.