Sezzle Announces Chief Financial Officer Transition
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
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, SEZL gained 1.72%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -5.8% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 37 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $39M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $2.28B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SEZL showed a prior 24h move of +2.18% while close peers were mixed: BFH (-2.04%), ENVA (+1.03%), LU (-1.11%), WU (-0.85%), QFIN (+0.12%). This points to company-specific dynamics rather than a coordinated sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 18 | Product engagement milestone | Positive | +2.9% | MoneyIQ surpassed 1,000,000 lessons across 200,000+ users in under a year. |
| Dec 15 | Buyback authorization | Positive | -5.9% | Board authorized new $100M repurchase after completing prior $50M program. |
| Dec 09 | Index inclusion | Positive | +2.4% | Company set to join S&P SmallCap 600, expanding index membership. |
| Nov 05 | Quarterly earnings beat | Positive | +7.8% | Strong 3Q25 growth in GMV, revenue, EPS, and raised guidance with solid liquidity. |
| Oct 21 | Earnings date & conferences | Positive | -1.7% | Planned Q3 results release and participation in multiple investor events. |
Recent company updates have generally been positive, with most such announcements followed by gains, though the buyback authorization and pre-earnings notice saw short-term divergences.
Over the last few months, Sezzle has reported several notable milestones. On Nov 5, 2025, strong 3Q25 results featured robust growth in GMV, revenue, and earnings, followed by a +7.76% move. Inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600 on Dec 12, 2025 preceded a +2.38% reaction. Financial literacy initiative MoneyIQ surpassing 1,000,000 lessons also coincided with gains. In contrast, a new $100 million buyback authorization and an earnings announcement/IR events notice saw short-term negative price reactions.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details a planned CFO transition, with long-serving CFO Karen Hartje retiring after nearly eight years and long-time insider Lee Brading assuming the role effective February 1, 2026. Brading’s history with Sezzle since 2016 and multi-decade banking background provide continuity around strategy and capital allocation. In context of recent strong growth metrics and index inclusion, investors may watch forthcoming disclosures and earnings for any shifts in financial priorities or communication style.
Key Terms
chief financial officer financial
investor relations financial
chartered financial analyst financial
certified public accountant regulatory
AI-generated analysis. 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
FAQ
Who is the new CFO of Sezzle (SEZL) and when does Lee Brading start?
Why is Karen Hartje leaving the CFO role at Sezzle (SEZL)?
What relevant experience does Lee Brading have for the CFO role at Sezzle (SEZL)?
How has Lee Brading contributed to Sezzle (SEZL) before becoming CFO?
Will Sezzle (SEZL) maintain financial continuity during the CFO transition?
