Cory A. Safreed
Canton,OH
Summary
Financial services leader with 17+ years experience in portfolio leadership for retail and enterprise clients. Enhances portfolio performance through P&L accountability, strategic planning, and measurable execution. Applies expertise across sales and relationship management, business operations, collections, and technology-enabled product initiatives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal, Client Partnerships
Bread Financial
Columbus, OH
02.2022 - Current
- Managed day-to-day client relationship management and strategy for portfolios totaling $1B+ in annual credit sales.
- Led contract and commercial negotiations, securing client partnerships with an average duration of 5+ years.
- Led multiple go-to-market initiatives annually across operations, compliance, and technology to drive incremental growth of 7%+
- Analyzed portfolio P&L and KPIs to identify risk exposure and expansion opportunities that were mutually aligned with client expectations/goals
- Maintained a strong cross-functional presence by successfully accomplishing goals and addressing issues related to products and services.
Account Sales Manager, Luxury Portfolio
Synchrony Financial
Chicago, IL
09.2022 - 02.2022
- Developed account strategies to expand portfolio performance across 1,500+ luxury retail clients.
- Directed retention strategies to protect and grow market share amid competitive pressures.
- Led cross-functional efforts to design and launch digital products aligned to retailer-specific requirements, contributing to 13%+ YoY growth.
Commercial Leadership Program Associate, Lowe's Portfolio
Synchrony Financial
Charlotte, NC
11.2015 - 09.2016
- Built framework to restructure the store visit and field engagement model, leading to a 17% credit sales increase
- Managed initiatives that boosted credit sales penetration and card usage across target demographics
- Led training and compliance programs to ensure adherence to credit policies and improve team readiness
- Supported commercial, cobrand, and private label credit card programs to enhance customer engagement
Commercial Leadership Program Associate, CareCredit Portfolio
GE Capital
Costa Mesa, CA
03.2015 - 11.2015
- Implemented a new engagement model using consultative reporting that drove an increase of 13% in customer accounts
- Developed and delivered training programs for 17-member sales team, enhancing skills and knowledge
- Standardized reporting and data usage across back-end platforms, improving data consistency
Commercial Leadership Program Associate, HVAC Portfolio
GE Capital
St. Paul, MN
07.2014 - 03.2015
- Developed a competitive landscape report for the HVAC credit industry and strategized market share acquisition
- Led digital integration projects and increased platform usage by merchants 23%
- Led merchant rebranding efforts for Synchrony IPO to align with new brand identity
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business and Organizational Communication, Public Relations, Sales and Business Technology
The University of Akron
Akron, OH08-2008
Skills
- Client relationship management
- Contract negotiation
- Portfolio growth and strategy
- Retention strategies
- P&L analysis
- KPI analysis
- Go-to-market strategy
- Product innovation
- Cross-functional leadership
- Account development
Community Involvement
- American Red Cross
- United Way
- Susan G. Komen Foundation
- Special Olympics
Timeline
Account Sales Manager, Luxury Portfolio
Synchrony Financial
09.2022 - 02.2022
Principal, Client Partnerships
Bread Financial
02.2022 - Current
Commercial Leadership Program Associate, Lowe's Portfolio
Synchrony Financial
11.2015 - 09.2016
Commercial Leadership Program Associate, CareCredit Portfolio
GE Capital
03.2015 - 11.2015
Commercial Leadership Program Associate, HVAC Portfolio
GE Capital
07.2014 - 03.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Business and Organizational Communication, Public Relations, Sales and Business Technology
The University of Akron