Our Executive Team
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Doug Naidus
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of World Business Lenders, Doug leads the company’s strategic direction, growth initiatives, and capital markets activities across the organization.
Doug founded World Business Lenders in 2011 and is a 30-year industry veteran, former NYSE Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and banker with extensive knowledge across all aspects of the mortgage business. He is a credit engineer with deep expertise in structuring and scaling bespoke mortgage products across both private and public markets.
Doug Naidus
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of World Business Lenders, Doug leads the company’s strategic direction, growth initiatives, and capital markets activities across the organization.
Doug founded World Business Lenders in 2011 and is a 30-year industry veteran, former NYSE Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and banker with extensive knowledge across all aspects of the mortgage business. He is a credit engineer with deep expertise in structuring and scaling bespoke mortgage products across both private and public markets.
Prior to founding World Business Lenders, Doug served as Managing Director and Global Head of Residential Lending and Trading at Deutsche Bank, overseeing operations across five continents. Earlier in his career, he founded MortgageIT, leading the company through a successful IPO (NYSE: MHL) before its acquisition by Deutsche Bank in 2007. Doug also founded IPI Skyscraper, which became one of the largest mortgage brokerage firms in the Northeastern United States before its private sale. Throughout his career, Doug has successfully executed and managed high-profile transactions across the United States, Colombia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other international markets.
Managing Director – Chief of Staff
Stephanie Hamilton
As Chief of Staff for the CEO’s Office at World Business Lenders, Stephanie oversees strategic initiatives, executive communications, operational coordination, investor relations...
Stephanie Hamilton
Managing Director – Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff for the CEO’s Office at World Business Lenders, Stephanie oversees strategic initiatives, executive communications, operational coordination, investor relations efforts, and organizational alignment across the company.
Stephanie joined World Business Lenders in 2016 and brings over 18 years of human resources, administration, and operational leadership experience. She graduated from Binghamton University and later earned a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from NYU.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Stephanie served as Director of Human Resources for Niche Media Holdings, a regional publishing company. During her tenure with World Business Lenders, Stephanie also served as Chief Administration Officer and Director of Human Resources, helping lead operational improvements and company-wide initiatives supporting long-term growth.
Managing Director – General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
Andy Occhino
As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at World Business Lenders, Andy oversees the company’s legal affairs, regulatory compliance framework, enterprise governance matters...
Andy Occhino
Managing Director – General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at World Business Lenders, Andy oversees the company’s legal affairs, regulatory compliance framework, enterprise governance matters, and related operational initiatives across the organization.
Andy joined World Business Lenders in 2011 and brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He graduated from Binghamton University and completed law school at Fordham University.
During 2007, Andy joined Deutsche Bank at the time of its merger with MortgageIT. He served as General Counsel of MortgageIT from 2005 through mid-2008, before becoming responsible for various business development initiatives in emerging markets. Earlier in his career, Andy served as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at GreenPoint Financial Corp., led the employee benefits practice at Cullen and Dykman LLP, and was a Tax Manager at Arthur Andersen & Co.
Managing Director – Chief Information Officer
Paul Vencill
As CIO, Paul drives the technology strategy of World Business Lenders, including enterprise modernization initiatives, cybersecurity programs, automation efforts, and data...
Paul Vencill
Managing Director – Chief Information Officer
As CIO, Paul drives the technology strategy of World Business Lenders, including enterprise modernization initiatives, cybersecurity programs, automation efforts, and data-driven operational transformation initiatives.
Paul brings over 25 years of technology leadership experience across federal agencies and commercial enterprises. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Paul served as Chief Engineer and Executive Advisor for Modernization at MITRE, where he led enterprise modernization efforts supporting executive-level government stakeholders and initiatives that generated over $100 million in operational efficiencies. Throughout his career, Paul has specialized in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, systems integration, and emerging technology implementation.
Director – Chief Operating Officer
Ali Palmer
As COO, Ali oversees operational strategy, organizational performance, process optimization, and enterprise execution initiatives across World Business Lenders...
Ali Palmer
Director – Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Ali oversees operational strategy, organizational performance, process optimization, and enterprise execution initiatives across World Business Lenders.
Ali brings over 25 years of leadership experience spanning military service, corporate operations, engineering, healthcare, financial services, and technology. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Ali held senior operational leadership positions at Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, Cushman & Wakefield, Evolution Management, Sodexo, and DaVita Healthcare Partners. A former Army Ranger, Iraq combat Veteran, Battalion Commander, Bronze Star recipient, and three-time entrepreneur and business owner, Ali brings extensive expertise in organizational leadership, operational execution, culture-building, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth initiatives.
Director – Chief Lending Officer
Terence Reilly
As CLO, Terence oversees all operating departments across World Business Lenders, including Production, Loan Operations, and Asset Resolution. Terence joined World Business Lenders...
Terence Reilly
Director – Chief Lending Officer
As CLO, Terence oversees all operating departments across World Business Lenders, including Production, Loan Operations, and Asset Resolution.
Terence joined World Business Lenders in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate investing, underwriting, finance, and operations. He holds a Finance degree from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Terence developed extensive experience in risk analysis, related decisioning, and operational leadership through finance and consulting roles focused on real estate investment and lending operations.
Director – Chief Data & Analytics Officer
Michael Balazs
As CDAO, Michael leads the data strategy, analytics platforms, business intelligence initiatives, and artificial intelligence capabilities supporting enterprise decision-making and operational...
Michael Balazs
Director – Chief Data & Analytics Officer
As CDAO, Michael leads the data strategy, analytics platforms, business intelligence initiatives, and artificial intelligence capabilities supporting enterprise decision-making and operational performance across World Business Lenders.
Michael brings over 20 years of experience spanning advanced research, applied analytics, operational leadership, and enterprise technology initiatives. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University and later earned an MA in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics and a Doctor of Philosophy in High Energy Particle Physics from the University of Virginia, as well as an MS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Michael spent 15 years at MITRE leading complex data, AI, and operational initiatives supporting mission-critical government programs. Earlier in his career, he conducted research in conjunction with CERN, contributing to experiments involving dark matter and supersymmetry, and is a co-author of the Higgs boson discovery paper. His work was also featured in the documentary Breakthrough: Game of Drones.
Senior Vice President, Internal Audit
Esref Gundogdu
As SVP of Internal Audit, Esref oversees internal audit, financial governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, and operational controls across World Business Lenders. Esref joined World Business Lenders...
Esref Gundogdu
Senior Vice President, Internal Audit
As SVP of Internal Audit, Esref oversees internal audit, financial governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, and operational controls across World Business Lenders.
Esref joined World Business Lenders in 2024 and brings more than 20 years of experience across banking, financial services, and FMCG industries. He holds CIA, CRMA, CPA, and CFE certifications and brings deep expertise in compliance, internal controls, operational efficiency, financial governance, and enterprise risk management.
Throughout his career, Esref has led enterprise audit and governance initiatives focused on strengthening operational oversight, regulatory compliance, and risk management frameworks across complex organizations.
Senior Vice President, Operations Counsel
John Murphy
As SVP of Operations Counsel, John oversees all default litigation conducted by the Asset Resolution Department and its team of in-house counsel at World Business Lenders. John joined World Business...
John Murphy
Senior Vice President, Operations Counsel
As SVP of Operations Counsel, John oversees all default litigation conducted by the Asset Resolution Department and its team of in-house counsel at World Business Lenders.
John joined World Business Lenders in 2019 and brings over 20 years of experience as a U.S.-licensed attorney. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston University and his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, John served as Senior Counsel to MERSCORP Holdings, Inc., supporting residential mortgage programs associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Throughout his legal career, he has specialized in litigation management, mortgage operations, and financial services law.
Senior Vice President, Operations
Kimberly Brown
As SVP of Operations, Kimberly oversees end-to-end operational functions across World Business Lenders, aligning daily workflows with broader business objectives and supporting operational...
Kimberly Brown
Senior Vice President, Operations
As SVP of Operations, Kimberly oversees end-to-end operational functions across World Business Lenders, aligning daily workflows with broader business objectives and supporting operational efficiency initiatives.
Kimberly joined World Business Lenders in 2022 and brings more than 20 years of experience in the title and lending industry. She is recognized for her expertise managing complex transactions and driving operational consistency across high-volume environments.
Throughout her career, Kimberly has built a reputation for operational leadership, process oversight, and team development, fostering a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, and organizational support.
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Nargis Kabiri
As SVP of Marketing, Nargis leads the marketing strategy, brand development, customer engagement initiatives, and growth-focused communication efforts across World Business...
Nargis Kabiri
Senior Vice President, Marketing
As SVP of Marketing, Nargis leads the marketing strategy, brand development, customer engagement initiatives, and growth-focused communication efforts across World Business Lenders.
Nargis brings more than two decades of leadership experience across marketing, military operations, higher education, and strategic communications. She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Webster University and an MS in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University.
Throughout her career, Nargis has led high-performing teams across complex operational environments, including leadership roles within the 82nd Airborne Division, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Army Enterprise Marketing Office. A combat Veteran and pioneering Field Artillery officer, Nargis brings extensive expertise in strategic branding, operational execution, innovation, cross-cultural communication, and enterprise growth initiatives.
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
Thomas Carnevale
As SVP of Lending Operations, Tom leads large-scale initiatives spanning operational strategy, governance, analytics, and cross-functional program management, driving measurable improvements...
Thomas Carnevale
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
As SVP of Lending Operations, Tom leads large-scale initiatives spanning operational strategy, governance, analytics, and cross-functional program management, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, scalability, and operational risk management across World Business Lenders.
Tom brings over 20 years of leadership experience driving operational excellence and enterprise transformation across complex organizations. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in the top 6% of his class and later earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Tom developed an entrepreneurial and innovation-focused mindset through leadership roles across operational transformation initiatives, including his recent work with AI startup RegenAI.
Senior Vice President, Asset Management
Bryne Zuege
As SVP of Asset Management, Bryne oversees the management, mitigation, restructuring, and resolution of non-performing and distressed commercial loan assets across World Business Lenders...
Bryne Zuege
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
As SVP of Lending Operations, Tom leads large-scale initiatives spanning operational strategy, governance, analytics, and cross-functional program management, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, scalability, and operational risk management across World Business Lenders.
Tom brings over 20 years of leadership experience driving operational excellence and enterprise transformation across complex organizations. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in the top 6% of his class and later earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Tom developed an entrepreneurial and innovation-focused mindset through leadership roles across operational transformation initiatives, including his recent work with AI startup RegenAI.
Paul Vencill
Managing Director – Chief Information Officer
As CIO, Paul drives the technology strategy of World Business Lenders, including enterprise modernization initiatives, cybersecurity programs, automation efforts, and data-driven operational transformation initiatives.
Paul brings over 25 years of technology leadership experience across federal agencies and commercial enterprises. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Paul served as Chief Engineer and Executive Advisor for Modernization at MITRE, where he led enterprise modernization efforts supporting executive-level government stakeholders and initiatives that generated over $100 million in operational efficiencies. Throughout his career, Paul has specialized in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, systems integration, and emerging technology implementation.
Ali Palmer
Director – Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Ali oversees operational strategy, organizational performance, process optimization, and enterprise execution initiatives across World Business Lenders.
Ali brings over 25 years of leadership experience spanning military service, corporate operations, engineering, healthcare, financial services, and technology. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Ali held senior operational leadership positions at Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, Cushman & Wakefield, Evolution Management, Sodexo, and DaVita Healthcare Partners. A former Army Ranger, Iraq combat Veteran, Battalion Commander, Bronze Star recipient, and three-time entrepreneur and business owner, Ali brings extensive expertise in organizational leadership, operational execution, culture-building, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth initiatives.
Terence Reilly
Director – Chief Lending Officer
As CLO, Terence oversees all operating departments across World Business Lenders, including Production, Loan Operations, and Asset Resolution.
Terence joined World Business Lenders in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate investing, underwriting, finance, and operations. He holds a Finance degree from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Terence developed extensive experience in risk analysis, related decisioning, and operational leadership through finance and consulting roles focused on real estate investment and lending operations.
Michael Balazs
Director – Chief Data & Analytics Officer
As CDAO, Michael leads the data strategy, analytics platforms, business intelligence initiatives, and artificial intelligence capabilities supporting enterprise decision-making and operational performance across World Business Lenders.
Michael brings over 20 years of experience spanning advanced research, applied analytics, operational leadership, and enterprise technology initiatives. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University and later earned an MA in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics and a Doctor of Philosophy in High Energy Particle Physics from the University of Virginia, as well as an MS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Michael spent 15 years at MITRE leading complex data, AI, and operational initiatives supporting mission-critical government programs. Earlier in his career, he conducted research in conjunction with CERN, contributing to experiments involving dark matter and supersymmetry, and is a co-author of the Higgs boson discovery paper. His work was also featured in the documentary Breakthrough: Game of Drones.
Esref Gundogdu
Senior Vice President, Internal Audit
As SVP of Internal Audit, Esref oversees internal audit, financial governance, enterprise risk management, compliance, and operational controls across World Business Lenders.
Esref joined World Business Lenders in 2024 and brings more than 20 years of experience across banking, financial services, and FMCG industries. He holds CIA, CRMA, CPA, and CFE certifications and brings deep expertise in compliance, internal controls, operational efficiency, financial governance, and enterprise risk management.
Throughout his career, Esref has led enterprise audit and governance initiatives focused on strengthening operational oversight, regulatory compliance, and risk management frameworks across complex organizations.
John Murphy
Senior Vice President, Operations Counsel
As SVP of Operations Counsel, John oversees all default litigation conducted by the Asset Resolution Department and its team of in-house counsel at World Business Lenders.
John joined World Business Lenders in 2019 and brings over 20 years of experience as a U.S.-licensed attorney. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston University and his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, John served as Senior Counsel to MERSCORP Holdings, Inc., supporting residential mortgage programs associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Throughout his legal career, he has specialized in litigation management, mortgage operations, and financial services law.
Kimberly Brown
Senior Vice President, Operations
As SVP of Operations, Kimberly oversees end-to-end operational functions across World Business Lenders, aligning daily workflows with broader business objectives and supporting operational efficiency initiatives.
Kimberly joined World Business Lenders in 2022 and brings more than 20 years of experience in the title and lending industry. She is recognized for her expertise managing complex transactions and driving operational consistency across high-volume environments.
Throughout her career, Kimberly has built a reputation for operational leadership, process oversight, and team development, fostering a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, and organizational support.
Nargis Kabiri
Senior Vice President, Marketing
As SVP of Marketing, Nargis leads the marketing strategy, brand development, customer engagement initiatives, and growth-focused communication efforts across World Business Lenders.
Nargis brings more than two decades of leadership experience across marketing, military operations, higher education, and strategic communications. She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from Webster University and an MS in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University.
Throughout her career, Nargis has led high-performing teams across complex operational environments, including leadership roles within the 82nd Airborne Division, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Army Enterprise Marketing Office. A combat Veteran and pioneering Field Artillery officer, Nargis brings extensive expertise in strategic branding, operational execution, innovation, cross-cultural communication, and enterprise growth initiatives.
Thomas Carnevale
Senior Vice President, Lending Operations
As SVP of Lending Operations, Tom leads large-scale initiatives spanning operational strategy, governance, analytics, and cross-functional program management, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, scalability, and operational risk management across World Business Lenders.
Tom brings over 20 years of leadership experience driving operational excellence and enterprise transformation across complex organizations. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in the top 6% of his class and later earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Tom developed an entrepreneurial and innovation-focused mindset through leadership roles across operational transformation initiatives, including his recent work with AI startup RegenAI.
Bryne Zuege
Senior Vice President, Asset Management
As SVP of Asset Management, Bryne oversees the management, mitigation, restructuring, and resolution of non-performing and distressed commercial loan assets across World Business Lenders.
Bryne brings over 35 years of corporate and military leadership experience with a strong focus on operational execution and mission-driven performance. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned an MBA from the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa.
Throughout his career, Bryne held positions of increasing responsibility within military, telecommunications, and defense contracting organizations, managing large-scale operational initiatives and multi-million-dollar installation and deployment projects across the United States, Asia, and Europe.
Sales Team
Robert DeStefano
Senior Vice President, Sales
As SVP of Sales, Robert focuses on originating and structuring commercial loan opportunities through the World Business Lenders referral partner network while supporting strategic growth initiatives within the wholesale division.
Robert joined World Business Lenders in 2015 and brings over 20 years of commercial lending and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Robert held production-focused lending roles at major financial institutions including Citigroup and Wells Fargo, where he specialized in commercial and industrial lending. Earlier in his career, Robert successfully operated his own commercial loan brokerage firm, providing a broad range of financing solutions to clients across multiple industries.
John O’Donaghue
Senior Vice President, Sales
As SVP of Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored financing solutions for clients across World Business Lenders.
John joined World Business Lenders in 2013 and brings over 20 years of sales leadership and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, John successfully launched and managed his own business for several years. Earlier in his career, he served as a top producer at The Sutherland Group, where he specialized in inbound and outbound telecommunications sales and business development initiatives.
Senior Vice President, Sales
Robert DeStefano
As SVP of Sales, Robert focuses on originating and structuring commercial loan opportunities through the World Business Lenders referral partner network while supporting strategic...
Robert DeStefano
Senior Vice President, Sales
As SVP of Sales, Robert focuses on originating and structuring commercial loan opportunities through the World Business Lenders referral partner network while supporting strategic growth initiatives within the wholesale division.
Robert joined World Business Lenders in 2015 and brings over 20 years of commercial lending and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, Robert held production-focused lending roles at major financial institutions including Citigroup and Wells Fargo, where he specialized in commercial and industrial lending. Earlier in his career, Robert successfully operated his own commercial loan brokerage firm, providing a broad range of financing solutions to clients across multiple industries.
Senior Vice President, Sales
John O’Donaghue
As SVP of Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored...
John O’Donaghue
Senior Vice President, Sales
As SVP of Sales, John oversees referral partner relationships, loan originations, and wholesale growth initiatives while leading a high-performing sales team focused on delivering tailored financing solutions for clients across World Business Lenders.
John joined World Business Lenders in 2013 and brings over 20 years of sales leadership and business development experience to the company.
Prior to joining World Business Lenders, John successfully launched and managed his own business for several years. Earlier in his career, he served as a top producer at The Sutherland Group, where he specialized in inbound and outbound telecommunications sales and business development initiatives.


