The pioneer in digital payments, Visa, has announced two senior leadership changes in the Asia Pacific area. Chris Clark has been promoted to Chairman, Asia Pacific from Regional President, and Stephen Karpin has been selected to take his place as Regional President, Asia Pacific. Both modifications take effect on April 1, 2023.
Mr. Clark said: "Over the last ten years as Regional President for Visa Asia Pacific, I have been committed to expanding the reach of electronic payments and growing our business by forging strong client and partner relationships, driving digital innovation in the regional payments ecosystem and building new partnerships with established and start-up fintechs, all supported by an amazing team of great payments professionals. I am excited to step into this new role, and I know that Stephen is the right person to drive strong growth for the business of all our clients and partners."
As Chairman, Asia Pacific, Mr. Clark will lead Visa's market expansion strategy, support regional and international activities, including strategic engagements with industry and governmental stakeholders, and continue to serve as a non-executive director of the Visa Europe Board.
Mr. Karpin said: "In his 20-year career at Visa, Chris has shown exemplary leadership, more than doubling the size of our Asia Pacific business. In addition to his expansive business aptitude, Chris is known for his deep commitment to our clients and teams across our markets. I look forward to following the path he has set, continuing to work closely with our clients and partners, expanding our relationships and ensuring that Visa Asia Pacific remains among the best places to work and achieve."
Based in Visa's Regional Headquarters in Singapore, Mr. Karpin will serve as the region's Regional President and be in charge of all company operations, client management, and go-to-market strategies.
Mr. Karpin started his career at Visa in 2014 as Group Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. He has extensive experience in the payments sector and knowledge of the markets in the Asia Pacific region. He was appointed Group Country Manager for Regional Southeast Asia in 2017 and Country Manager for Japan, Visa's biggest market in the Asia Pacific region, in 2019.
Prior to this, he spent 17 years in senior positions with Citibank in Australia, Singapore, and Japan as well as at Commonwealth Bank and Westpac in Australia.