Paul Panek

Paul Panek has extensive work experience in the finance industry. Paul started their career in 1997 as a VP Business Development at CitiFinancial, where they were responsible for buy-side M&A activity. Paul closed six transactions and conducted international due-diligence.

In 2001, they joined CitiFinancial Auto as an SVP, CFO, where they led the finance function, including financial planning, budgeting, and product pricing. Paul also chaired the pricing committee and was a member of the credit and business risk committees.

From 2004 to 2007, they served as SVP, CFO, and CAO at CitiFinancial Auto, where they were responsible for financial functions, project management, and IT. Paul chaired the pricing committee and was a member of the credit and business risk committees.

In 2007, they became SVP, Credit Initiations (Operations) at CitiFinancial Auto, overseeing centralized credit operations, buying/underwriting, and funding auto loans. Paul managed a staff of 850 across 12 locations and was a member of the pricing, credit, and business risk committees.

From 2009 to 2011, they worked as a Consultant/Temporary Assignment at CitiFinancial, leading the implementation of securitization of non-prime unsecured personal loans, raising $3.25 billion in funding.

Since 2012, they have been the Chief Operating Officer at OpenRoad Lending.

Paul Panek earned their BA in Economics from Binghamton University, graduating in 1984. Paul furthered their education by pursuing an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School, completing their studies in 1989. In 2017, Paul decided to expand their knowledge and expertise by enrolling in Southern Methodist University, where they are currently pursuing a Masters in Data Science.