Visa appoints new APAC chairman

Visa announced senior leadership changes in the Asia Pacific region, Chris Clark, formerly the regional president for Visa Asia Pacific, has been elevated to Chairman, Asia Pacific, while Stephen Karpin will take over as regional president, Asia Pacific.

(L-R) Chris Clark, chairman APAC, Visa and Stephen Karpin, regional president APAC, Visa.

Chris Clark, in his role as Chairman, Asia Pacific, will support global and regional initiatives, including strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders. He will also drive Visa's market expansion strategy and continue to serve as a non-executive director of the Visa Europe Board.

"I am excited to step into this new role and I am confident that Stephen is the right person to drive growth for the business of all our clients and partners," said Clark.

As regional president, Karpin will be responsible for managing the full business operations, client relationships, and go-to-market strategies for the region, based in Visa's regional headquarters in Singapore.

With a strong background in the payments industry and expertise in Asia Pacific markets, Karpin is well-equipped to lead Visa Asia Pacific to new heights, the company said. 

"Clark has shown exceptional leadership over the past 20 years at Visa, more than doubling the size of our Asia Pacific business," said Karpin.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with our clients and partners, expanding our relationships and ensuring that Visa Asia Pacific remains a great place to work and achieve."

Karpin has a deep background in the payments industry and knowledge of Asia Pacific markets, beginning his career at Visa in 2014 as group country manager Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific.

In 2017 he was appointed as group country manager, Regional Southeast Asia, and since 2019 he has served as country manager, Japan, Visa’s largest Asia Pacific market. Previously, he spent 17 years in senior roles at Commonwealth Bank and Westpac in Australia and at Citibank in Australia, Singapore and Japan.

Both will begin their roles on April 1.