Galileo welcomes Derek White as new Chief Executive Officer

By Pavithra R

Galileo, the API standard for card issuing and digital banking, owned and operated independently by SoFi Technologies has named technology and innovation leader Derek White as its new chief executive officer.

White succeeds Galileo CEO and Founder Clay Wilkes, who becomes vice-chair of Galileo and remains a member of the board of directors of SoFi, Galileo’s parent company.

“Galileo and SoFi have made tremendous progress over the last year since closing and I cannot thank Clay enough for building such a phenomenal company and critical technology over the last 20 years. At the time of our acquisition of Galileo, Clay and I discussed a succession plan and I am excited for Clay as he steps into the role of Vice Chairman of Galileo, with Derek taking his place. 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. Derek will lead Galileo to use its proven solutions, technology and expertise to drive continued success and customer adoption to bring Galileo into its next chapter,” said Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi.

Most recently, Derek served as the vice president of Global Financial Services at Google Cloud, responsible for partnering with banks, insurance companies, fintechs and other financial services entities to redefine their core business units and transition to leading-edge, digital-first operations. He was also responsible for creating new solutions, products and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of Google clients and their customers.

White brings to Galileo and its customers more than 2 decades of experience in building and transforming financial services. Prior to Google Cloud, he served as the vice-chair and chief digital officer for U.S. Bank. Earlier in his career, White was the global head of client solutions for BBVA. He also held leadership roles at Barclays, including chief design and digital officer. Lastly, White held the prestigious position of technology ambassador for London, actively promoting the U.K. market as a fintech capital. White will also have responsibility for SoFi Corporation International as the company develops plans for further expansion outside the U.S. for all of the company’s existing and potential new products and services.

“I’m privileged and honored to take the reins from Clay at a time when Galileo has never been stronger or more focused, now powering so many global leaders in fintech and digital banking. The excitement and momentum at Galileo are palpable. As Galileo continues to shape the future of fintech, I look forward to working with Galileo’s outstanding clients and the talented Galileo team to accelerate our steady stream of technology innovation, creating tremendous value for our clients, their customers, our employees and every Galileo stakeholder,” said Derek White, incoming CEO of Galileo.

White holds an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University.

Founded in 2000, Galileo provides the API standard for card issuing, virtual card solutions and digital banking, is a global payments processing platform that powers world-leading fintechs, challenger banks, neobanks, financial services and investment firms by removing the complexity from payments.