Visa (NYSE: V), the world’s leader in digital payments, has announced the appointment of Shashank Singh as Vice President and General Manager for Kuwait and Qatar. In his new role, Shashank will be responsible for principal strategy including business development, resource optimization and deepening Visa’s long-term relationships with its local clients, regulators, and other key stakeholders to drive the growth of digital commerce in both markets.

Commenting on Shashank’s appointment, Dr Saeeda Jaffar, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC, said: “Shashank takes on this role at a time of significant opportunity for digital commerce, and money movement in Kuwait and Qatar.  His appointment strengthens our regional leadership as well as our commitment to driving financial inclusion and the digital economy for the benefit of consumers and businesses. Shashank will also pilot Visa’s continued efforts to better serve our most valued clients and partners in both key local markets.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Visa’s operations in Kuwait and Qatar, and to reaffirm our position as a trusted engine of commerce enabling digital transformation in such pivotal regional markets,” said Shashank Singh, Visa’s Vice President and General Manager for Kuwait and Qatar. “I look forward to collaborating with our key clients and partners in driving the growth of digital commerce in both regions while supporting the local economies with digital transformation at scale.”

Shashank is a seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience in the payments industry, possessing deep business knowledge of the local markets. He has worked with Visa since 2012, collaborating closely with partners and clients across multiple GCC markets. From 2018, Shashank was responsible for managing Visa's operations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. He also spearheaded the company's global and regional partnerships and efforts for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.