Alliance Data CEO and leadership

Over 25 years of experience leading U.S. financial services companies with a strong record of growing credit card, loyalty and affinity products and relationships, as well as driving operational efficiencies and superior financial performance. Current President and CEO at Alliance Data, responsible for the growth, development and performance of the business.

Karen Wald is a SVP & Chief of Staff at Alliance Data.

Laura Santillan oversees SEC reporting and compliance, enterprise risk management, reporting and analysis, merger and acquisition financial integration, accounting policies and procedures, GAAP compliance, and corporate accounting for Alliance Data. She joined the company in 2004 after serving as a senior manager of reporting for Dresser, Inc., and was named Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer in 2010. Under Laura’s leadership, her team developed a comprehensive online training program for the entire company’s finance associates, as well as a bi-annual conference where approximately 200 finance and accounting associates across the enterprise meet to discuss various accounting topics and issues impacting the business. Both of these initiatives have improved skills-based professional development among associates, as well as strong collaboration across the company’s corporate finance functions and three business subsidiaries.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas. She is also a member of both the American Institute of CPAs and Financial Executives International. Laura is a supporter of United Way, and encourages her team to get involved in company-sponsored community volunteer activities. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the theatre and watching sports.

Curtis Samuels is a Chief Ethics Officer at Alliance Data.