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Margaret Keane

Executive Chair of the Board of Directors of Synchrony, one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies.

Professional Background

Margaret Keane is a distinguished executive in the financial services industry, currently serving as the Executive Chair of the Board of Directors at Synchrony, one of America’s leading consumer financial services companies. A driving force in the industry, Margaret has made significant contributions to the growth and innovation of Synchrony. She played a pivotal role in leading the company’s initial public offering in 2014 and its subsequent separation from General Electric (GE) in 2015. Under her leadership, Synchrony has steadily evolved into a sustainable and innovative organization, recognized for its exceptional workplace culture that prioritizes caring, diversity, and innovation at all levels.

Before becoming Executive Chair, Margaret was the Chief Executive Officer of Synchrony, where she was instrumental in propelling the company to rank 170 on the Fortune 500 list. This remarkable achievement was complemented by Synchrony's consistent recognition as one of Fortune's Top 100 Best Companies to Work For. Margaret’s dedication to balancing the needs of Synchrony’s diverse stakeholders—encompassing partners, customers, communities, shareholders, and a workforce exceeding 16,000—has established her as a leader committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment.

Margaret’s extensive career also includes 18 years at GE Capital, where she held various roles culminating in her position as President and CEO of the GE Capital North American Retail Finance business. In this role, she directed the retail card platform and helped to expand GE’s impact in the consumer finance sector. Her journey began with 16 years at Citibank, where she developed her expertise in various leadership capacities.

Education and Achievements

Margaret Keane’s educational background is rooted in a strong foundation in business and political science. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government, followed by a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from St. John’s University. Her commitment to her alma mater continues as she currently serves on the Board of Trustees, giving back to the institution that has greatly influenced her professional journey.

Margaret has earned widespread recognition for her leadership and influence within the financial services sector. She has been named among Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women” and “Businessperson of the Year” lists, and American Banker has honored her as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Finance.” Furthermore, Barron’s has included her in its list of the “Most Influential Women in Finance,” confirming her position as a leader in the field who is shaping the future of finance and consumer engagement.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

In addition to her professional achievements, Margaret is deeply committed to her community. She has served as the president of the Synchrony Foundation and has been involved with buildOn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering urban youth to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations. Her passion for community engagement and philanthropy exemplifies her belief in the importance of creating opportunities for others.

Moreover, Margaret is actively involved in several boards that emphasize health and welfare, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Allstate Corporation and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Boards of Overseers and Patient Care Committee. This level of involvement highlights her dedication to a range of critical social issues, including health care and youth empowerment, further cementing her status as a socially responsible leader.

Personal Life

Outside her ambitious professional life, Margaret Keane enjoys a rich personal life in partnership with a dedicated family. She is married and has two wonderful children, which enhances her understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations. Her commitment to both her family and her professional life demonstrates a remarkable balance that many aspire to achieve. Her role as a mother complements her career, underscoring the values of leadership, support, and growth that she promotes in her professional endeavors.

Achievements

  • Executive Chair of the Board of Directors of Synchrony.
  • Previously Chief Executive Officer of Synchrony, successfully led the initial public offering (IPO) in 2014.
  • Guided Synchrony through its separation from General Electric in 2015, fostering significant organizational innovation.
  • Grew Synchrony to rank 170 on the Fortune 500 and consistently recognized as one of Fortune's Top 100 Best Companies to Work For.
  • Served as the President and CEO of GE Capital North American Retail Finance, managing substantial growth in the consumer finance sector.
  • Recipient of numerous accolades including Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women” and “Businessperson of the Year” recognition, and American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Finance.”
  • Active board member for Allstate Corporation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and formerly on the national board of buildOn.
  • Educational engagement with St. John’s University as a Board of Trustees member, indicating a commitment to developing future leaders.

Related Questions

How did Margaret Keane develop her expertise in consumer finance and corporate leadership?
What innovative strategies did Margaret Keane implement while serving as CEO of Synchrony?
In what ways has Margaret Keane contributed to community development through her philanthropic efforts?
How has Margaret Keane influenced the workplace culture at Synchrony?
What leadership lessons has Margaret Keane shared with emerging leaders in the financial services sector?
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Location

Stamford, Connecticut, United States