The area head position is a new role created by Mastercard Worldwide as part of a recent organizational restructure of the company’s Middle East and Africa division.
MasterCard will now manage the Middle East and Africa region through four distinct areas, namely the Middle East, North Africa and Levant, Central Africa (including East and West Africa) and Southern Africa.
Jones has spent most of her career in the consulting industry, working across a broad spectrum of industries including financial services, consumer goods and telecommunications.
Jones said that MasterCard will follow a three-pronged business strategy in these areas that will aim to provide simple and secure electronic payment solutions to consumers and customers across Southern Africa.
"This involves growing our core business of debit, credit and pre-paid products; diversifying into new geographies and new customer segments such as government and telecommunications companies; and building new businesses in eCommerce, mobile, and information services," Jones added.
MasterCard Worldwide division president for Middle East & Africa Michael Miebach said Anna brings a wealth of experience to this role and her focus to help customers – existing and new – to make the most of their current and future MasterCard investments, will put MasterCard in a strong position to drive much wider awareness and value for MasterCard products and brand across Southern Africa.
"Jones will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective on the local payments industry at the helm of MasterCard’s local operations," Miebach concluded.
