Mastercard names Richard Wormald as president for Asia Pacific

Mastercard names Richard Wormald as president for Asia Pacific

Mastercard has announced a significant leadership transition in its Asia Pacific region. Effective from January 1, 2026, Richard Wormald will assume the role of President, Asia Pacific, succeeding Ari Sarker. Wormald, currently Division President for Australasia, brings extensive regional experience and a strong track record of leadership to the new position.

Wormald's appointment comes after more than a decade of Ari Sarker's tenure as President for Asia Pacific. Sarker will step down at the end of 2025 and transition into an advisory role, focusing on strategic initiatives and mentoring regional leaders to support a smooth transition. Sarker's influence has been profound, championing innovation and inclusion and building deep relationships with governments, fintechs, and enterprises [1].

Richard Wormald, known as Rich, has led Mastercard's business across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands for nearly a decade. His leadership has seen Sydney established as one of Mastercard's seven global technology hubs, now home to over 1,000 payments specialists and engineers. Reflecting on the appointment, Sarker said, "Rich is a trusted colleague and a thoughtful leader. I'm confident he'll continue to move the business forward with purpose and care" [2].

Wormald expressed his honor in stepping into the role, stating, "I'm honored to build on the strong foundation Ari has created. Asia Pacific is a dynamic and diverse region, and I look forward to working with our teams and partners to keep growing and delivering meaningful impact" [3].

To ensure continuity, Sarker and Wormald will work closely together leading up to the transition, engaging with stakeholders across multiple markets through joint appearances and ongoing communications. Paul Monnington will join Mastercard as Division President, Australasia, from January 2026, succeeding Wormald. Monnington brings experience in retail payments and fintech, having previously led Woolworths' Wpay business and held senior positions at Woolworths Group and National Australia Bank. Monnington will report to Wormald and be part of the Mastercard Asia Pacific Leadership Team, overseeing operations in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands [1].

The leadership changes reflect Mastercard's commitment to strong, values-driven leadership and its aim to shape the future of commerce across Asia Pacific. The region represents a significant area of growth and opportunity for the company, which remains focused on accelerating innovation, deepening partnerships, and unlocking new business opportunities [1].

References:
[1] https://itbrief.asia/story/mastercard-names-richard-wormald-asia-pacific-president-from-2026
[2] https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/mastercard-appoints-new-president-asia-pacific
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mastercard-announces-leadership-transition-asia-012600132.html