Wave Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wave has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial operations, organizational management, and human capital development.

Focused on building a modern financial network, Wave delivers affordable tools for saving, transferring, and borrowing money to empower users across emerging markets.

Leadership Roles at Wave

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Drew Durbin
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jerry Feeney
  • Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President - Major Patton
  • Chief People Officer - Emily Austin
  • Drew Durbin - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Drew Durbin, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Wave, directs the overarching vision for the financial network. By architecting the platform strategy, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of affordable money management solutions to diverse user bases. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to align product development with long-term growth objectives. Overseeing the expansion of services across African markets, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational efficiency and user accessibility. Drew Durbin drives the company mission by removing barriers to traditional banking through innovative technology. Through rigorous oversight of the executive team, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the financial infrastructure. This commitment to financial inclusion defines the current trajectory of the organization, ensuring that every strategic decision supports the goal of providing essential monetary services to underserved populations.
    Drew Durbin

    Jerry Feeney - Chief Financial Officer

    Jerry Feeney, the Chief Financial Officer at Wave, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. By overseeing financial reporting and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the platform maintains the liquidity required to support rapid transaction growth. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to optimize revenue streams and manage operational costs across regional markets. Jerry Feeney directs the financial planning processes that underpin the company's ability to offer low-cost money transfers and savings products. Through the implementation of robust internal controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk while fostering sustainable growth. The Chief Financial Officer also evaluates investment opportunities that align with the broader mission of expanding financial access. By maintaining transparency with stakeholders, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the company to scale its operations effectively within the competitive fintech landscape.

    Major Patton - Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President

    Major Patton, the Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President at Wave, coordinates cross-functional initiatives to streamline organizational execution. By managing the flow of information between departments, the Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent attention from leadership. This role involves overseeing complex projects that span multiple geographic regions, facilitating alignment between product teams and operational units. Major Patton directs the implementation of internal processes that enhance productivity and decision-making speed. As the Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President, the executive monitors the progress of key business objectives, providing the necessary support to maintain momentum across the company. By bridging the gap between high-level strategy and daily operations, the Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President enables the organization to respond rapidly to market demands. This leadership function remains vital for maintaining the operational agility required to deliver reliable financial services to millions of users.

    Emily Austin - Chief People Officer

    Emily Austin, the Chief People Officer at Wave, leads the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that support the company's mission. By architecting programs for employee engagement and professional growth, the Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the core values of the financial network. This leadership role involves overseeing recruitment efforts across diverse international markets to attract top-tier talent capable of driving fintech innovation. Emily Austin directs the design of compensation structures and performance management systems that foster a high-performance culture. As the Chief People Officer, the executive collaborates with other C-suite leaders to build a resilient organizational structure capable of scaling alongside the business. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, the Chief People Officer strengthens the company's ability to serve a global user base. This focus on human capital ensures that the organization retains the expertise needed to maintain its position as a leader in modern financial services.
    Emily Austin

    Explore Leadership Teams in Banking

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wave Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Wave?
    Wave is led by Drew Durbin (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jerry Feeney (Chief Financial Officer) and Major Patton (Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President).
    Who is part of Wave’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wave includes leaders such as Drew Durbin (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Jerry Feeney (Chief Financial Officer), Major Patton (Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Wave have?
    Wave has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Wave’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Wave includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff & Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer.