Synchrony Ventures
Investing in the future of financial services, commerce and healthcare

Maran is EVP, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer. In this role, he uses his expertise in financial services and the retail industry to drive Synchrony’s long-term strategy, new business development, M&A, Ventures, and network partnerships. Prior to this role, Maran was Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Diversified & Value and Lifestyle platforms, along with Business Development, where he led the teams that deliver financing programs, multi-channel shopping experiences and loyalty solutions for a variety of large and fragmented partners in retail, sporting goods, power sports, apparel, jewelry, and music.
At the center of Maran’s work is his commitment to drive consumer and partner engagement by delivering value through Synchrony’s financing products and seamless consumer experiences. For more than 20 years, Maran has excelled at driving growth for Synchrony’s partners through strong leadership, deep relationships, and a passion for the latest in innovation.
Maran has held multiple leadership roles throughout his career with Synchrony and GE Capital and is passionate about giving back to those around him. Currently, Maran serves as a mentor for Synchrony's Asian Professional Engagement Network+ and volunteers with CURE PSP, raising awareness and funds for Parkinson's disease research and to provide support and help for caretakers. Maran earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland.

Kelly Shaw is the current head of Synchrony Ventures, backing entrepreneurs and technologies that enable Synchrony to drive innovation and an enhanced customer experience. Prior to Synchrony, Kelly was a Partner at Vestigo Ventures, leading and managing early-stage investments across Fintech and Insurtech. Kelly’s entrepreneurial experience, as a co-founder of AlmaPact (now operating as Clasp), which aims to improve student access to education, lends a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face.
Kelly began her career in Venture Capital as a member of the Synchrony Corporate Development team. Prior to Synchrony, Kelly contributed to major strategic decisions at GE Capital, serving as part of a handpicked M&A team responsible for determining if GE should divest the bulk of GE Capital, and subsequently working on the successful sale of $40B of divestitures of Commercial Lending and Leasing Assets. Her early career has spanned roles in Financial Services in both Europe and the United States following her completion of GE’s Financial Management Program.
Kelly holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of the Holy Cross, majoring in Economics and Spanish. A washed-up track athlete, Kelly can often be found running (much more slowly) along the Charles River.

Tyler joined Synchrony from Unusual Ventures, where he worked as an investor leading Enterprise AI, vertical software, and Fintech deals. His experience includes sourcing and leading investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and working with startup founders to partner with both large and small enterprises across the US and Europe. Prior to Unusual Ventures, Tyler spent 3.5 years at Assurant on the corporate strategy and venture teams there. Tyler is a hot sauce aficionado and on a lifelong mission to visit every professional sports stadium.

George Kitsios is an Investor at Synchrony Ventures in New York, focused on identifying and supporting investment in early-stage companies at the intersection of fintech, healthcare, and enterprise software. Prior to joining Synchrony Ventures in 2025, George held strategy and development roles at Synchrony Financial and Experian. His work included leading portfolio strategy, as well as advising senior leadership on the evaluation of inorganic growth opportunities across investment, M&A, and commercial partnership. George began his career as an Associate Consultant at Capco, advising investment banking, asset management, and private equity clients on financial analysis and operational improvement initiatives. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. In his spare time, George is an avid baseball fan, motorsport and aviation enthusiast, and aspirational cook.

Abir joined Synchrony, after spending the last decade investing in and advising early-stage companies at the intersection of fintech, healthcare, and consumer tech. She began her venture career establishing Serena William’s fund, Serena Ventures, and later led fintech investing at Primary Venture Partners. Most recently, she supported entrepreneurs of all stages through her work with Investors of Color. Earlier in her career, Abir was a consultant with Dalberg Advisors, based in Sub-Saharan Africa, where she advised governments and global institutions on inclusive growth. She continues to support the region’s venture ecosystem and is passionate about connecting innovation with broader access and opportunity.