Orlando Zayas

 
Professional Profile
 

Orlando Zayas is a seasoned executive leader currently residing in Houston, Texas. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a formidable presence in the fields of insurance, operations, marketing, and the automotive industry. He is currently serving as the CEO of Katapult, a dynamic role he has held since September 2017 in the Greater New York City Area.

 
Educational Background
 

Orlando's academic background laid a strong foundation for his career. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston, completing his studies in 1986. His quest for knowledge did not stop there; he went on to pursue an MBA at the Texas McCombs School of Business, graduating in 2011.

 
Early Career and Growth
 

Orlando's professional journey is marked by a series of influential roles, beginning as the Director of Operations at Cendant, where he managed a 200-person call center. His outstanding performance led to a promotion to Vice President of Operations at the same company. During his tenure, he achieved a 30% increase in customer retention efforts.

 
Leadership Roles at GE
 

Subsequently, Orlando spent several years at GE, taking on various leadership roles.

• As Senior Vice President at GE Benefit Solutions, he successfully repositioned the division to cater to small business health benefits.
• Later, as President at GE/Wachovia/Wells Fargo Bank, he played a vital role in the significant growth of the Auto Warranty Service division through strategic rebranding and restructuring.

 
Further Career Progression
 

Orlando continued his upward trajectory with positions such as President at Safe-Guard Products International and Vice President of Emerging Markets for Auto at GE Capital. His tenure as President at TEMPOE involved leading a financial services company that provided leasing and finance products for major retailers.

 
Role at DRB Capital & CEO of Katapult
 

In 2017, Orlando briefly served as CEO at DRB Capital before taking the helm at Katapult. Under his leadership, Katapult has focused on providing lease-purchase solutions to non-prime consumers, enabling them to access essential products and services.

 
Leadership Style and Accomplishments
 

Throughout his career, Orlando has demonstrated exceptional strategic planning and executive management skills. He is known for his ability to provide strategic direction while fostering a culture of autonomy among his team. A testament to his leadership style comes from a former direct report, Amanda C., who praised his unique balance of strategic guidance and relationship-building skills.

 
Conclusion
 

In summary, Orlando Zayas’s extensive experience across various sectors, combined with his educational background and proven leadership abilities, underscores his significant contributions to the companies he has led. His career path exemplifies a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to fostering strong professional relationships.