Visa names Paulina Leong as general manager for HK and Macau

Visa has promoted its head of client relationship management for Hong Kong and Macau Paulina Leong (pictured) to general manager of Visa Hong Kong and Macau, effective immediately.

In her new role, Leong will be responsible for leading Visa’s business growth and operations in Hong Kong and Macau. She will continue to be based in Hong Kong.

Leong has over 18 years of experience working in the payments industry. Most recently, she was Visa’s head of client relationship management for Hong Kong and Macau, leading the business development team to drive client engagement efforts, and the development and execution of Visa’s market strategy.

Since joining Visa in 2007, Leong has held a number of roles including business development for global client management in the North Asia region; business development for Hong Kong and Macau clients and emerging products and technology managing the commercialisation of Visa solutions in Hong Kong and the Philippines. Prior to that, she was based in London with Visa CEMEA, and had also worked at JP Morgan Chase.

Leong said: “I am excited to take on this role and lead Visa’s businesses and operations in Hong Kong and Macau which are fascinating and fast-growing. I look forward to working closely with our partners, fintechs, the regulator, and all stakeholders to help accelerate business growth, and enable individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive.”

Shirley Yu, Visa’s group general manager for Greater China, said, “I am delighted to have Leong lead our team in Hong Kong and Macau as general manager. Forming part of the Greater China region, the team in Hong Kong and Macau has done an excellent job in deepening our presence and pioneering payment innovation. Leong’s in-depth knowledge about Visa, Hong Kong and Macau, will drive our business agenda with clients, consumers, and government partners, in line with our purpose to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.”

Don't miss: Visa bolsters leadership with two new senior appointments

Back in February, Visa has bolstered its leadership with two senior appointments in the APAC region. Chris Clark was elevated from regional president to chairman, Asia Pacific, and Stephen Karpin was named as his successor as regional president, Asia Pacific. Both changes were effective 1 April 2023. 

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

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