Katapult (NASDAQ: KPLT), a lease-to-own platform that integrates with digital commerce platforms to power online shopping for non-prime clients, confirmed the appointment of Joyce Phillips and Jane J. Thompson to its Board of Directors, “effective immediately.”
Ms. Phillips and Ms. Thompson were appointed to the class of directors that will “stand for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.”
Orlando Zayas, CEO of Katapult, stated:
“Both executives are accomplished business leaders and seasoned board members with an impressive record of achievement at the intersection of technology, finance, retail and banking. Their fresh perspective will be an invaluable addition to our board to help us succeed in today’s competitive landscape. We are looking forward to benefiting from their extensive background and experience during this exciting time of opportunity and growth.”
Phillips is an experienced executive who during her 25-year professional career has led various business lines in retail banking, payments, insurance and wealth management, with international and regional responsibilities.
Joyce is Founder and CEO of EqualFuture Corp., a San Francisco-based Fintech specialzing in offering personal wellness financial platforms to individuals and businesses. She is serving on the Boards of the Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), First Interstate BancSystem (NASDAQ: FIBK) and had previously served on the Board of Reinsurance Group of America. Joyce also serves on the Board of Girls Inc. NYC, a non-for-profit board focused on supporting young women from underserved communities.
Phillips remarked:
“I am passionate about finding ways to make financial inclusion a reality for all, something that I have championed in most of my professional roles and continue to actively engage in. I’m thrilled to join the board of a company that empowers individuals and families by providing access to payment options and services that meet their needs.”
An experienced leader, Thompson has reportedly led large and small customer-focused organizations in “a variety of industries, including retail, financial services, consumer services, and digital businesses.”
She has served on the executive committees of Walmart and Sears, and in those roles “helped lead C-suite strategies for both corporations.” At present, Thompson serves as an independent board member and advisor to various tech and payment firms, like Navient Corporation (NASDAQ: NAVI) and CompoSecure (NASDAQ: CMPO). Previously, Thompson served on the board of On Deck Capital, Mitek Systems, Pangea Money Transfers, Verifone Systems, Blackhawk Network Holdings and The Fresh Market.
Thompson noted:
“I look forward to helping Katapult transform the fintech ecosystem for individuals, families and communities. It is a pleasure to join Katapult’s board to help achieve its mission of providing non-prime customers with payment options and promote financial inclusion.”
With Phillips and Thompson appointments, Katapult has eight board members. Ms. Phillips will “serve on the board’s audit committee and Thompson will serve on the board’s compensation committee as its chair.”
The board appointments continue “to build on Katapult’s commitment to bringing in fresh and strategic expertise, experience and unique perspective to help the company succeed in today’s competitive landscape.”
As covered, Katapult is an omnichannel lease-purchase platform, offering alternative solutions for retailers and consumers. As a Fintech firm, Katapult offers tech that integrates with online platforms, allowing their retail partners to expand their client base, increase transactions, and increase revenue.
Katapult’s consumer-centric focus “ensures an efficient application and approval process while providing transparent and tailored payment terms.” Katapult associates with retailers across the US, with merchant support teams and informative marketing insights..