8-K: Upbound Group Names Hal Khouri New EVP & CFO

Upbound Group, Inc. announced the appointment of Hal Khouri as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective November 10, 2025.

Summary

• Hal Khouri has been appointed Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer of Upbound Group, Inc., with an effective start date of November 10, 2025.
• Mr. Khouri will assume the CFO role from Fahmi Karam, the company's Chief Executive Officer, who has also been serving as interim CFO since June 2025.
• Mr. Khouri brings over 30 years of experience in consumer-based banking, financial services, leasing, retail, consulting, and government service.
• His compensation package includes an annual base salary of $675,000, a target annual cash incentive bonus of 60% of his base salary, and a one-time restricted stock unit sign-on award valued at $1,500,000.
• He will also be eligible for an annual Long Term Incentive Program award equal to 170% of his base salary, starting in February 2026.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The appointment of a highly experienced CFO is a positive development for corporate governance and strategic financial management, indicating a strengthening of the executive team. The compensation package is competitive for a role of this caliber.

Positives

• The appointment of Hal Khouri, a seasoned CFO with over 30 years of experience, strengthens the company's executive leadership and financial expertise.
• Mr. Khouri's extensive background in consumer finance, leasing, and non-prime lending solutions, including roles at goeasy Ltd., Walmart Canada Bank, and JPMorgan Chase Canada Bank, is highly relevant to Upbound Group's business.
• The appointment allows CEO Fahmi Karam to focus solely on his Chief Executive Officer responsibilities, potentially enhancing strategic focus.
• Mr. Khouri is expected to drive corporate growth, shareholder return, and oversee critical financial operations, capital allocation, and investor relations activities.

Risks

• The general strength of the economy and other economic conditions could affect consumer preferences, spending, and payment behaviors.
• Other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Future Outlook

The company aims to continue delivering disciplined financial execution and growing its platform of technology-driven, scalable financial solutions for underserved consumers. Management expects Mr. Khouri to play a significant role in guiding the company's financial and business strategy to support long-term growth objectives and enhance shareholder value.

Management Comments

• "Hal brings significant experience in financial and strategic leadership in the consumer finance industry and will be instrumental as we continue to focus on delivering disciplined financial execution and growing our platform of technology-driven, scalable financial solutions for underserved consumers." Fahmi Karam, Chief Executive Officer.
• "Hals proven track record of executing a strategic vision, strong business leadership, and commitment to fostering a positive culture and driving results will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and pursue growth in a rapidly evolving environment." Fahmi Karam, Chief Executive Officer.
• "I am excited to be joining Upbound and bring my significant experience to one of the industry leaders in technology-driven, accessible financial solutions." Hal Khouri.
• "I believe Upbound has tremendous opportunities across all three of its marquee brands, and am eager to begin integrating with the team and contributing to this important mission." Hal Khouri.

Industry Context

The appointment of a seasoned CFO with extensive experience in consumer finance, leasing, and non-prime lending solutions, particularly from a company like goeasy Ltd., suggests Upbound Group is reinforcing its leadership to navigate the evolving landscape of accessible financial solutions for underserved consumers. This move aligns with a broader industry trend of companies seeking strong financial stewardship to drive growth and manage capital effectively in a competitive and regulated environment.

Management Changes

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for enhanced financial stewardship and strategic growth, which could lead to increased shareholder value.
• Employees: Strengthening of the executive leadership team, potentially fostering a more stable and strategically guided work environment.
• Customers: Improved financial management could support continued innovation in accessible financial solutions and service delivery.

Next Steps

• Hal Khouri will officially join Upbound Group as EVP CFO on November 10, 2025.
• Mr. Khouri will enter into an EVP Executive Transition Agreement with the company upon his start date.
• Mr. Khouri will become eligible for the annual cash incentive bonus (prorated for the 2025 fiscal year) starting March 2026.
• Mr. Khouri will become eligible for the annual Long Term Incentive Program award starting February 2026.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The appointment of a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer is a positive step for Upbound Group, strengthening its executive leadership and financial oversight. This move is a standard corporate action and does not present new information that would significantly alter the company's fundamental outlook or warrant a change in investment thesis at this time. Investors should continue to monitor the company's operational performance and broader market conditions.

Keywords

Upbound Group, UPBD, CFO, Chief Financial Officer, Hal Khouri, Executive Appointment, Financial Services, Consumer Leasing, Corporate Governance, SEC Filing, 8-K