Visa has appointed Michael Berner as the new Head of Southern and East Africa, overseeing operations across 24 markets. He will report to Andrew Torre, Visa’s Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), and will remain part of Visa’s CEMEA regional leadership team. Based in Johannesburg, Michael steps into this role with extensive experience in financial services, having previously served as Senior Vice President, Head of Merchant Sales and Acquiring for CEMEA.
Michael brings over two decades of expertise in the financial sector, including leadership roles at Citibank Russia, where he was a Managing Director and a member of the Executive Board. Since joining Visa in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in driving merchant sales, acquiring strategies, and strengthening Visa’s presence in key markets. His leadership is expected to support Visa’s growth ambitions in one of the fastest-expanding digital payments regions.
Andrew Torre, Visa’s Regional President for CEMEA, highlighted the significance of this appointment, noting that Southern and Eastern Africa have become global hubs for digital payment innovation. He emphasized that Visa has been present in the region for over 40 years and expressed confidence in Michael’s ability to strengthen partnerships and drive financial inclusion.
Michael, in his statement, expressed enthusiasm about leading Visa’s Southern and Eastern Africa team. He reaffirmed Visa’s commitment to working closely with financial institutions, governments, and partners to introduce new innovations and expand the reach of digital payments. With a strong focus on financial inclusion, Visa aims to enhance the commerce experience for businesses and consumers alike.
In addition to his extensive industry experience, Michael holds a master’s degree in financial management from Moscow Automobile and Road Institute (MADI). He has also completed postgraduate programs at prestigious institutions, including Columbia Business School, the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard University, further reinforcing his strategic leadership capabilities.
With Michael at the helm, Visa is set to accelerate its mission of expanding digital payment solutions, fostering economic growth, and strengthening financial inclusion across Southern and Eastern Africa. His leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of payments in the region, ensuring that businesses and consumers benefit from seamless and secure digital transactions.
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