Last week it was announced that 20-year financial services technology veteran, Derek White, will be joining SoFi-owned API and payments platform Galileo as CEO. White makes this move after serving as the head of Google Cloud’s FS business for less than a year.
White will be succeeding Galileo’s CEO and Founder Clay Wilkes who will immediately become Vice Chair of Galileo and continue serving as a member of the board of directors of SoFi, the parent company of Galileo. Speaking of this move, Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi shared “I cannot thank Clay enough for building such a phenomenal company and critical technology over the last 20 years.” On the hire of White, he added, “Following an extensive search, it became clear to me, Clay, Galileo and SoFi leadership as well as the Board that Derek is the perfect choice to lead Galileo into the future. His stellar track record of fostering and driving innovation across the global fintech ecosystem will benefit the entire Galileo team and customer base.”
While discussing his move to Galileo, White cited that it is an exciting time to join the fintech as it grows ever stronger and more focused while powering “so many global leaders in fintech and digital banking.” He shared that he will be joining at a time where “the excitement and momentum at Galileo are palpable.”
It appears that the move will be well suited to the veteran’s career trajectory, allowing him a top role at a growing fintech that is newly funded, after its acquisition by SoFi. This presents an exciting leadership opportunity for White, one where he can truly take the reins of an entire company, serve its impressive clients, lead a talented team, and have measurable impact on growing the company through its next chapter. Despite the prestige of working at a company like Google, the challenge of leading a company poised for a time of growth was compelling.
Prior to Google, White served as the vice-chair and digital officer for U.S. bank. He was also previously the global head of client solutions for BBVA, and a technology ambassador for London “actively promoting the U.K. market as a fintech capital.”
It was shared that White, with extensive international experience, will also be focused on aiding SoFi Corporation International in its bid to expand outside of the U.S.
