Upgrade Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Upgrade has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, finance, and product development.

Driven by innovation, Upgrade provides affordable and responsible credit products to mainstream consumers, leveraging advanced technology and data analytics to offer transparent pricing and flexible repayment terms.

Leadership Roles at Upgrade

  • Chief Executive Officer - Renaud Laplanche
  • Founder & CEO - Karina Ramalho
  • Chief Financial Officer & Controller for Hire - Justin Sperbeck
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cee Bee
  • Co President - Jonathan Kier
  • President - Shashwat Gandhi
  • Chief Technology Officer - Paresh Gangodker
  • Co-Founder & Chief Information Officer - Visar Nimani
  • Renaud Laplanche - Chief Executive Officer

    Renaud Laplanche, the Chief Executive Officer at Upgrade, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Laplanche guides the organization in its mission to provide affordable and responsible credit products to mainstream consumers, utilizing advanced technology and data analytics. This leadership role involves overseeing the development and expansion of Upgrade's diverse financial offerings, including personal loans, credit cards, and home improvement loans. By focusing on customer-centric solutions and transparent pricing, Renaud Laplanche ensures the company remains a competitive alternative to traditional financial institutions. The Chief Executive Officer's oversight extends to fostering innovation within the product development teams and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, driving the company's growth and market impact across the United States.
    Renaud Laplanche

    Karina Ramalho - Founder & CEO

    Karina Ramalho, the Founder & CEO at Upgrade, spearheads the company's foundational principles and ongoing strategic direction. Ramalho's leadership focuses on establishing and maintaining Upgrade's commitment to delivering accessible and responsible credit solutions to a broad consumer base. This executive role involves cultivating a culture of innovation and customer advocacy, ensuring the company's financial products, such as personal loans and rewards credit cards, meet evolving market demands. The Founder & CEO's influence is critical in shaping the company's technological integration and data-driven approach to underwriting and customer service. Karina Ramalho's vision drives the expansion of Upgrade's services, aiming to enhance financial health for consumers nationwide through transparent and competitive offerings.

    Justin Sperbeck - Chief Financial Officer & Controller for Hire

    Justin Sperbeck, the Chief Financial Officer & Controller for Hire at Upgrade, manages the company's financial planning, reporting, and fiscal operations. Sperbeck oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, ensuring the company's financial health and stability. This executive role is critical for supporting Upgrade's growth initiatives and its commitment to providing affordable and responsible credit products. The Chief Financial Officer & Controller for Hire's responsibilities include managing relationships with financial institutions and investors, as well as ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Justin Sperbeck's expertise is instrumental in guiding Upgrade's financial strategy, enabling the company to expand its offerings and serve a growing number of customers across the United States.

    Cee Bee - Chief Operating Officer

    Cee Bee, the Chief Operating Officer at Upgrade, directs the company's day-to-day operational activities and ensures efficient execution of business strategies. Bee's responsibilities encompass optimizing internal processes, managing customer service operations, and overseeing the fulfillment of financial products, including personal loans and credit cards. This executive position is vital for maintaining the high standards of service and operational excellence that Upgrade offers its customers. The Chief Operating Officer plays a key part in scaling the company's infrastructure to support its growing customer base and expanding product lines. Cee Bee's focus on operational efficiency and risk management directly contributes to Upgrade's ability to provide affordable and responsible credit solutions across the United States.

    Jonathan Kier - Co President

    Jonathan Kier, the Co President at Upgrade, shares leadership responsibilities in driving the company's strategic objectives and operational performance. Kier's role involves overseeing key business functions and contributing to the expansion of Upgrade's product portfolio, which includes personal loans, credit cards, and home improvement financing. This executive position is vital for ensuring the company's continued growth and its commitment to offering responsible credit products. The Co President's focus includes fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing customer acquisition strategies. Jonathan Kier's leadership supports Upgrade's mission to provide accessible financial solutions, leveraging technology and data to serve mainstream consumers effectively across the United States.
    Jonathan Kier

    Shashwat Gandhi - President

    Shashwat Gandhi, the President at Upgrade, directs significant aspects of the company's strategic initiatives and operational execution. Gandhi's leadership focuses on advancing Upgrade's mission to deliver affordable and responsible credit products through innovative financial technology. This executive role involves overseeing critical business units and ensuring the seamless delivery of services such as personal loans, credit cards with rewards, and auto refinancing. The President's responsibilities include driving operational efficiency and enhancing the customer experience across all product offerings. Shashwat Gandhi's contributions are essential in scaling Upgrade's operations and reinforcing its position as a customer-centric alternative in the financial services market.

    Paresh Gangodker - Chief Technology Officer

    Paresh Gangodker, the Chief Technology Officer at Upgrade, architects and oversees the company's entire technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Gangodker drives the innovation behind Upgrade's platform, ensuring the seamless integration of advanced technology, data analytics, and machine learning to streamline loan application and approval processes. This critical role involves managing the development of scalable and secure systems that support a wide array of financial products, including personal loans, credit cards, and home improvement financing. The Chief Technology Officer's expertise is essential in maintaining Upgrade's competitive edge by enabling instant decisions and rapid funding for customers. Paresh Gangodker's leadership ensures the technological backbone supports the company's mission of providing affordable and responsible credit, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency across all digital touchpoints.
    Paresh Gangodker

    Visar Nimani - Co-Founder & Chief Information Officer

    Visar Nimani, the Co-Founder & Chief Information Officer at Upgrade, shapes the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Nimani leads the development and maintenance of the technological systems that power Upgrade's financial products, ensuring robust security and data integrity. This role is fundamental to the company's ability to leverage data analytics and machine learning for streamlined loan origination and customer management. The Chief Information Officer's oversight extends to managing the company's IT operations, supporting the delivery of personal loans, credit cards, and other financial services. Visar Nimani's contributions are crucial in maintaining Upgrade's technological advantage and supporting its mission to offer accessible and responsible credit solutions to mainstream consumers.
    Visar Nimani

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Upgrade Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Upgrade?
    Upgrade is led by Renaud Laplanche (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Karina Ramalho (Founder & CEO) and Justin Sperbeck (Chief Financial Officer & Controller for Hire).
    Who is part of Upgrade’s executive team?
    The executive team of Upgrade includes leaders such as Renaud Laplanche (Chief Executive Officer), Karina Ramalho (Founder & CEO), Justin Sperbeck (Chief Financial Officer & Controller for Hire) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Upgrade have?
    Upgrade has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Upgrade’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Upgrade includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & CEO, Chief Financial Officer & Controller for Hire, Chief Operating Officer, Co President.