Arda Saglamer Laham, MBA, has built a career in finance defined by steady advancement, strong leadership, and a commitment to operational excellence. As vice president of loan operations at Wintrust Life Finance, she oversees critical aspects of loan management and strategy, bringing both expertise and vision to her role. Her leadership emphasizes efficiency, process improvement, and team development, reflecting a deep understanding of the complexities of the financial sector.
Ms. Laham’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for this trajectory. She earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from Montclair State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in international marketing with a minor in Spanish from Pace University in New York. These academic accomplishments not only provided technical knowledge but also instilled the adaptability and strategic perspective required for leadership positions.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Laham advanced through a series of roles that developed her expertise in banking and finance operations. She was an assistant vice president of renewal operations at Wintrust Life Finance, where she streamlined renewal processes and enhanced client relationships. Prior to that, she worked as senior loan officer for renewal operations, managing diverse portfolios while ensuring compliance and client satisfaction. Her attention to detail and problem-solving ability consistently contributed to organizational growth and customer trust.
Before entering higher-level finance roles, Ms. Laham gained experience in other aspects of business. She worked as an assistant buyer at Sixth Avenue Electronics, where she managed inventory and vendor negotiations. Earlier, she was a branch supervisor at both Spencer Savings Bank and TD Bank, overseeing daily branch operations and guiding staff development. These positions helped her build a versatile skill set in customer service, compliance, and leadership that continues to inform her approach today.
In addition to her corporate career, Ms. Laham is the owner of Cottonlicious Party Favors and Event Planning, an entrepreneurial venture that highlights her creativity and business acumen beyond the financial industry. Her ascent within finance carries special meaning, given her upbringing as the child of immigrant parents who had no experience with higher education or professional careers. Without a model to follow, she pursued her education independently, worked her way through college, and advanced from an entry-level role as a customer service representative to a vice president at a major finance company. This journey reflects her resilience, persistence, and dedication to personal growth.
Ms. Laham has continued to invest in her development, earning a fundamentals of leadership certification from Wintrust Life Finance. This credential emphasizes her commitment to lifelong learning and the importance of cultivating effective teams. Her professional contributions have also been recognized with honors such as the Team Player Award, which underscores her collaborative spirit and dedication to advancing organizational success.
Family remains central to Ms. Laham’s values. She credits her father, who immigrated to the United States with limited resources, for instilling the principles of hard work and accountability that have guided her life. She takes great pride in raising her children to be independent and strong, considering this legacy equally important to her career milestones.
Looking to the future, Ms. Laham intends to strengthen her familiarity with emerging technology, ensuring she remains adaptable as the industry continues to evolve. Her professional journey illustrates resilience, determination, and leadership, qualities that define not only her career but also her broader philosophy of success.