The Australian stranglehold on leadership roles in Visa’s Asia Pacific business is set to continue following the elevation of a former Westpac and CBA executive to the top management post in the regional operation.
Stephen Karpin, who currently manages Visa’s operation in Japan, will take over as president of Visa’s regional business in Singapore from the start of April.
In the new role Karpin will be responsible for Visa’s full business operations in the region.
Karpin joined Visa in 2014 as country manager for Australia and New Zealand after a three-year stint helming CBA’s Commonwealth Securities subsidiary.
He is also a former executive head of credit cards at CBA and Westpac.
Karpin takes the executive reins in Singapore from another Australian – Chris Clark – who has held the key position since August 2013.
Before joining Visa in 2002, Clark served in a string of positions at National Australia Bank, including country management roles in Thailand and Taiwan.
Under the management revamp, Clark has been appointed chairman of Visa’s regional operation and will focus on leading Visa’s engagement with government and industry stakeholders.
Karpin said he wanted to continue the expansion of Visa’s presence in Asian markets.
“In his 20-year career at Visa, Chris has shown exemplary leadership, more than doubling the size of our Asia Pacific business,” he said.
“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."