The Banking Executive Magazine - April 2025

Career Chronicle Mastercard has announced the ap- pointment of Saud Swar as Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant. The ap- pointment strengthens Mastercard’s leadership team in the West Arabia division, underlining the company’s commitment to serving as the re- gion’s technology partner of choice. Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Saud will lead and manage Mastercard’s operations in Saudi Ara- bia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Palestine, deepening local market knowledge and engagement, and advancing ef- forts to connect and power an inclu- sive digital economy. “We are very pleased to see Saud Swar take another important step for- ward on his professional journey with this exciting appointment,” said Adam Jones, Executive Vice Presi- dent, Division President of West Ara- bia, Mastercard. “Saud will no doubt play a pivotal role in advancing our work to empower the people and communities we serve across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jor- dan, and Palestine with even greater access to a more accessible, secure and transformative dig- ital economy. We look forward to him stew- arding us to more suc- cess in the region.” Saud Swar, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and other Levant, Mastercard stated, “I am ex- cited to begin this new chapter with Mastercard, making the most of my experience to complement and build on of the team’s achievements... I am looking forward to working closely with and our partners to unlock new opportunities, drive growth and cre- ate impact across the division and wider region.” Saud has over 17 years of experience working in the financial services in- dustry. Prior to joining Mastercard, Saud spent all his professional career at American Express, initially joining the company as a New Product De- velopment Specialist 2008, gradually rising the ranks to serve as the Chief Business Officer – MENA for Ameri- can Express Middle East. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer En- gineering from the University of Bahrain and completed an Executive MBA at London Business School. ISSUE 196 APRIL 2025 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 39 MASTERCARD STRENGTHENS ITS LOCAL LEADERSHIP TEAM IN SAUDI ARABIA, BAHRAIN, JORDAN AND OTHER LEVANT