Diane Gelman

About Diane Gelman

I\'ve been a strategic and results-driven leader in the financial services industry for over 25 years, with a strong track record of aligning business objectives with forward-thinking strategies to drive growth, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. My expertise in developing and executing culture and talent management programs that attract, retain, and develop top financial professionals while fostering a high-performance and risk-aware organizational culture is my \"sweet spot\". I\'m also skilled in operational excellence and risk mitigation, implementing robust governance frameworks, internal controls, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and regulatory adherence. I\'m adept at leading change management initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions in response to evolving market conditions, technological advancements, and regulatory shifts. In summary, I\'m known for balancing innovation, efficiency, and people-centric strategies to support sustainable financial growth and resilience in any team, department or organization.And lastly, if there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career… it’s that the learning never stops. I believe in continuous growth and I’m always eager to add new skills to my portfolio. My love of learning and growing personally and professionally has served me well over the years. I\'m known as someone who works with a sense of urgency with a natural drive to solve problems as well as someone who helps others manage through change.Favorite Quote:\"Integrity is doing the right thing. Even when no one is watching.\" C.S. Lewis

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer

   Peopled

   May 2025 — Present

   Building the operational and strategic foundation of an early-stage fintech: incorporated the company, established the board, and structured the cap table to enable scalable growth. Enable fundraising and investor engagement by crafting the investment thesis, financial models, and pitch materials that position the company for success. Co-Lead SOC 2 compliance—writing policies, assessing risks, and implementing controls to secure client trust. Oversee all aspects of day-to-day operations, from finance and payroll to insurance and client contracts, ensuring operational excellence and readiness for growth

Education

• Columbia Business School

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance & Marketing

• The Wharton School

  Bachelor of Science in Economics, Decision Sciences & Marketing