Digital payments facilitator Visa announced two senior leadership changes in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, with Chris Clark promoted from regional president to chair and Stephen Karpin taking over his previous role. Both changes take effect on April 1, 2023.

In the role of Visa chair in APAC, Clark will support regional and global initiatives, including strategic engagements with government and industry stakeholders, drive the company’s market expansion strategy and continue his role as a non-executive director of the Visa Europe Board. 

As Visa APAC’s regional president, Clark expanded the reach of electronic payments and grew the business through strong client and partner relationships. He is also instrumental in driving digital innovation in the regional payments ecosystem and building new partnerships with established and start-up fintechs.

Visa, Brankas unveil new open finance products
Visa appoints Jeff Navarro as country manager for PH and Guam

“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,” he said.

“In his 20-year career at Visa, Chris has shown exemplary leadership, more than doubling the size of our Asia Pacific business,” Karpin said. “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.” 

As regional president, Karpin will be responsible for the full business operations, client management and go-to-market plans for the region, based in Visa’s regional headquarters in Singapore. 

Karpin has a deep background in the payments industry and knowledge of APAC markets, beginning his career at Visa in 2014 as group country manager Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. In 2017 he was appointed for the same positon this time in Southeast Asia. Since 2019 he has served as country manager in Japan, Visa’s largest APAC market. Previously, he spent 17 years in senior roles at Commonwealth Bank and Westpac in Australia and at Citibank in Australia, Singapore and Japan.