Mastercard has announced strategic enhancements to its leadership roles in the Middle East. The move is part of the company’s efforts to boost its regional leadership with a focus on fast-tracking growth, deepening stakeholder engagement, and enhancing its focus on its multi-rail capabilities in key markets.
Continuing Mastercard’s successful digital transformation journey, its regional leadership will build on the momentum with a refreshed organizational design. The technology company has leveraged its regional network through restructured division operations, combining the power of scale with its deep local market knowledge.
Industry sources added that the former MENA East cluster will now make up the East Arabia division, while the MENA Central cluster will form the West Arabia division. In this context, Mastercard has appointed J.K. Khalil to the new post of Executive Vice President and Division President for East Arabia.
Industry sources further added that the Mastercard veteran will continue to operate closely with his team to connect and power more inclusive and sustainable digital economies in each of the division markets where more people can continue to thrive.
Khalil stated “Mastercard has been driving payment innovation and boosting financial inclusion for more than 50 years, and has been active in the Middle East for over 30 years. The creation of the East Arabia division is a clear indication of not only the potential, but also the incredible growth witnessed in what used to be the MENA East cluster. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our partners, who have been with us on this journey, to the MENA East team for their passion and dedication, and to the Mastercard leadership for recognizing the incredible growth and potential in these strategic markets.”
Industry sources further added that under Khalil’s leadership, Mastercard’s former MENA East cluster has made great strides in advancing digital transformation and building a robust payments ecosystem. He was instrumental in initiating the global long-term collaboration with FAB, the largest bank in the UAE, that will see the two partners drive accelerated growth and innovation in the UAE and scale expansion plans in international markets.
