Octane Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on transforming the powersports financing landscape, Octane connects riders with their passions through frictionless digital lending solutions. This organization drives market innovation by integrating editorial content with instant, accessible vehicle financing for consumers across North America.

Leadership Roles at Octane

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jason Guss
  • Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Kartik Kothari
  • President & Chief Financial Officer - Steven Fernald
  • 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 strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory of the firm. By aligning the company mission with the evolving needs of the powersports market, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that digital financing remains accessible and efficient for all riders. Guss oversees the integration of editorial brands like Cycle World into the broader consumer experience, fostering deeper engagement with enthusiasts. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain market dominance while scaling operations across the United States. Through the implementation of data-driven decision-making, Jason Guss optimizes the platform to reduce friction in the vehicle purchasing process. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive advantage of the business by prioritizing customer-centric innovation and sustainable financial expansion within the fintech sector.
    Jason Guss

    Kartik Kothari - Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Kartik Kothari, the Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Octane, manages the complex financial modeling and capital allocation strategies that support the company growth. Overseeing the treasury functions and investor relations, the Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet while expanding its reach in the powersports market. Kothari collaborates with the broader finance team to optimize liquidity and manage risk associated with consumer lending. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform strategic investments in the platform. By providing rigorous financial oversight, Kartik Kothari enables the business to scale operations effectively across diverse regional markets. The Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term stability of the organization, ensuring that financial resources align with the core mission of providing frictionless financing to riders.

    Steven Fernald - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Steven Fernald, the President & Chief Financial Officer at Octane, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and operational execution of the company. Overseeing the fiscal health of the organization, the President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all business units operate within established budgetary frameworks while pursuing aggressive growth targets. Fernald manages the capital structure and financial reporting, providing the transparency necessary for sustained investor confidence. This role involves working closely with the executive team to evaluate new market opportunities and partnership potential within the powersports industry. By optimizing revenue streams and cost structures, Steven Fernald drives the profitability of the lending platform. The President & Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on long-term value creation, ensuring that the company remains well-positioned to deliver instant, frictionless financing to consumers throughout the national market.
    Steven Fernald

    Murali Vajjiravel - Chief Technology Officer

    Murali Vajjiravel, the Chief Technology Officer at Octane, architects the scalable software infrastructure that powers the instant financing platform. Overseeing the engineering and product development teams, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the digital loan application process remains seamless for powersports shoppers. Vajjiravel drives the technical roadmap, focusing on the integration of credit-checking algorithms and dealership connectivity tools. This role requires constant coordination with other C-suite leaders to align technical capabilities with business objectives. By leveraging advanced data analytics, Murali Vajjiravel enhances the user experience on the company website, allowing customers to prequalify for loans without impacting credit scores. The Chief Technology Officer maintains the security and reliability of the platform, supporting the company mission to connect riders with their favorite vehicles through robust, high-performance technology solutions.
    Murali Vajjiravel
    Sean Fernandez-Ledon, the Chief Legal Officer at Octane, governs the regulatory compliance and legal framework that underpins the fintech operations. Overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all lending practices adhere to federal and state financial regulations. Fernandez-Ledon manages contractual relationships with partnered dealerships and editorial brands, mitigating risk while facilitating business expansion. This role involves constant monitoring of the evolving legal landscape to protect the company interests and consumer data. By providing strategic counsel to the executive team, Sean Fernandez-Ledon enables the firm to innovate within the powersports market while maintaining strict compliance standards. The Chief Legal Officer supports the company mission by establishing a secure, legally sound environment for all financial transactions, ensuring that the platform remains a trusted partner for riders and dealerships alike.
    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, directs the internal accounting controls and financial reporting standards. Overseeing the accuracy of financial statements, the Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller ensures that the company maintains rigorous compliance with accounting principles. Ndoping manages the day-to-day financial operations, including audit processes and tax planning, to support the overall fiscal integrity of the business. This role involves collaborating with the finance leadership to streamline reporting workflows and enhance data precision. By implementing robust accounting systems, Ben Ndoping provides the visibility required for strategic decision-making across the organization. The Senior VP & Head of Technical Accounting & Corporate Controller supports the company mission by ensuring that financial data remains reliable, enabling the firm to scale its powersports financing services with confidence and precision.

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    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 Kartik Kothari (Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Steven Fernald (President & 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), Kartik Kothari (Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Steven Fernald (President & 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, Executive VP & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Legal Officer.