Sezzle Announces Chief Financial Officer Transition
Sezzle (NASDAQ:SEZL) announced that Lee Brading will become Chief Financial Officer, effective February 1, 2026.
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Rhea-AI Summary
Sezzle (NASDAQ:SEZL) announced that Lee Brading will become Chief Financial Officer, effective February 1, 2026. He succeeds Karen Hartje, who retires after nearly eight years as CFO and will remain as a consultant to support an orderly transition.
Brading joined Sezzle in April 2020, led corporate development and investor relations, helped drive the company to profitability in 2021 and its 2023 uplisting to NASDAQ, and brings multi-decade banking and accounting experience.
Positive
- New CFO appointment effective Feb 1, 2026
- Brading helped drive profitability in 2021
- Led successful uplisting to NASDAQ in 2023
- Continuity: predecessor remains as consultant
Negative
- Long-time CFO retiring after nearly eight years
- Leadership transition may temporarily disrupt finance functions
Details
News Market Reaction – SEZL
On Jan 30, the first trading day after this news, SEZL closed 10.31% below the previous close. That session’s volume was 1.6x the stock’s average daily volume.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Jan 30 session.
Key Figures
- CFO effective date
- February 1, 2026
- Effective date for Lee Brading’s appointment as CFO
- Hartje tenure
- Nearly eight years
- Karen Hartje’s service as Sezzle CFO
- Company founding
- 2016
- Year Sezzle was founded, with Brading involved from early on
- Banking experience
- Over 30 years
- Lee Brading’s prior investment banking career length
Historical Context
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MoneyIQ surpassed 1,000,000 lessons across 200,000+ users in under a year.
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Board authorized new $100M repurchase after completing prior $50M program.
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Company set to join S&P SmallCap 600, expanding index membership.
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Strong 3Q25 growth in GMV, revenue, EPS, and raised guidance with solid liquidity.
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Planned Q3 results release and participation in multiple investor events.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
chief financial officer financial
investor relations financial
chartered financial analyst financial
certified public accountant regulatory
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Minneapolis, MN, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) (Sezzle or Company) // Sezzle, a purpose-driven digital payment platform, today announced the appointment of Lee Brading as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), effective February 1, 2026. Brading will succeed Karen Hartje, who served as CFO and principal financial officer under a Consulting Agreement since November 1, 2025, following her announcement of retirement after nearly eight years as CFO of Sezzle. Hartje will remain engaged as a consultant to ensure an orderly transition.
“Karen has been instrumental in Sezzle’s evolution from a private startup to a publicly traded, profitable fintech company,” said Charlie Youakim, Sezzle Executive Chairman and CEO. “We are forever indebted to her for her leadership, wisdom, and the positive impact she has had across the organization. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
“From our founding in 2016, Lee has been with us every step of the journey,” continued Youakim. “He started as an early investor and advisor and eventually joined full-time to lead Corporate Development and Investor Relations. Lee has been a driving force behind the strategy we are executing today. His multi-decade experience in banking, combined with his deep understanding of Sezzle’s operations, make him uniquely qualified to lead our next phase of growth.”
Brading joined Sezzle in April 2020 and has played a key role in shaping the Company’s strategy and capital allocation framework. As Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, he helped lead Sezzle’s transition to profitability in 2021 and its successful uplisting from the Australian Stock Exchange to the NASDAQ in 2023. He has also expanded Sezzle’s presence in the U.S. investment community, growing both sell-side analyst coverage and the Company’s institutional investor base.
Prior to joining Sezzle, Brading spent over 30 years in various investment banking roles, most recently serving as a Managing Director and Global Head of Credit Research at Wells Fargo Securities. Prior to his time in investment banking, Brading was an audit manager at BDO Seidman. He holds an MBA from The University of North Carolina and a BS in Business Administration and Accounting from Washington & Lee University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and was a Certified Public Accountant (expired).
Contact Information
| Jack Fagan Investor Relations +651 240 6001 investorrelations@sezzle.com | Erin Foran Media Inquiries +651 403 2184 erin.foran@sezzle.com |
About Sezzle Inc.
Sezzle is a forward-thinking fintech company committed to financially empowering the next generation. Through its purpose-driven payment platform, Sezzle enhances consumers' purchasing power by offering access to point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services—connecting millions of customers with its global network of merchants. Centered on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use, Sezzle empowers consumers to manage spending responsibly, take charge of their finances, and achieve lasting financial independence.
For more information visit sezzle.com.
Erin Foran Sezzle 6514032184 erin.foran@sezzle.com
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