Synchrony has announced executive leadership changes within its Digital platform and Technology and Operations organizations to advance innovation and customer experience. Carol Juel has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Synchrony's Digital platform, reporting to Brian Doubles, President and Chief Executive Officer. She succeeds Bart Schaller, who is retiring after a 35-year career with the company.

Juel will be responsible for advancing innovation, customer experience, and consumer financing capabilities for digital-first partners including Amazon, PayPal, Venmo, and Verizon. She previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operating Officer, where she led the Technology and Operations organizations and drove the modernization of platforms and customer experiences.

Technology and Operations Leadership

Florin Arghirescu has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, reporting to Doubles. He will lead the Technology team and oversee enterprise technology strategy and execution, including the company's AI agenda, engineering, and platform capabilities. Arghirescu brings over 25 years of experience in technology and product development leadership roles.

People and Operations Expansion

DJ Casto will expand his scope as Executive Vice President, Chief People and Operations Officer, continuing to report to Doubles. He will retain leadership of Human Resources while assuming responsibility for Operations, including servicing, collections, and customer care. His focus will be on operational excellence and enhancing customer experience capabilities.

Synchrony has partnered with Pet Resort Hospitality Group (PRHG) to establish the CareCredit credit card as the preferred financing solution for PRHG's network of premier pet resorts. The agreement enables pet owners to use CareCredit at 40 PRHG locations across 12 states for services including training, boarding, daycare and grooming. This move aims to provide flexible payment options for pet parents and address the growing demand in the pet services market.

Partnership Details

The collaboration allows CareCredit to be accepted at participating PRHG locations, which include brands such as Paws 'n' Rec, Playtime Pet Resort and Olde Towne Pet Resort. Services covered by the financing option include daycare, professional grooming, overnight boarding, day camp packages and specialized training programs. The partnership also supports Pet Resort University, PRHG's education program for pet care professionals, partners and staff.

Strategic Impact

Jonathan Wainberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Pet at Synchrony, stated that the partnership expands the company's commitment to holistic pet well-being. He emphasized that the collaboration offers families a clear way to budget for pet resort experiences and essential care. Jason Duffy, CEO of PRHG, noted that the partnership helps remove financial barriers, ensuring more pet parents can access high-quality services that contribute to a pet's overall happiness and development.

Operational Metrics

In 2025, PRHG's network served 71,000 pets belonging to 59,000 pet parents. The company facilitated 95,000 boarding stays and provided 5.1 million hours of daycare. PRHG employs more than 1,000 dedicated professionals and continues to pursue strategic acquisitions of pet services businesses across the United States.

About the Companies

Synchrony is a consumer financial services company that delivers credit and banking products. CareCredit, a health and wellness credit card, has provided financing solutions for veterinary services for over 35 years and is accepted at more than 27,000 veterinary practices in the U.S. Pet Resort Hospitality Group is a provider of pet services, including daycare, boarding, grooming and training, led by a management team with decades of experience in the industry.