Mastercard has appointed Jon Huntsman as Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth, starting in his new roles on 15 April.
The former US Ambassador and Governor will spearhead company efforts of expanding commercial partnerships with governments and public sector institutions, along with driving the company’s inclusive growth, philanthropy and sustainability agenda.
In this new role, Huntsman will report to Michael Miebach, Mastercard’s Chief Executive Officer, and will be part of Mastercard’s Executive Leadership Team.
Huntsman has served as the US Ambassador for Singapore, China, and Russia under both Republican and Democratic administrations. He is also the only American to have been Chief of Mission in both China and Russia.
Miebach said: “Jon’s unique experience spanning four decades in public and private sectors will be extremely valuable as we build the future of Mastercard.”
During his past roles, Huntsman negotiated dozens of trade and investment agreements throughout Asia and Africa, as the Deputy US Trade Representative.
Miebach added: “He will play a pivotal role in helping advance our approach to commercial sustainability through social impact, consistent with our company’s core value of doing well by doing good.”
Currently, the new VC serves on the Board of Directors for both Ford Motor Company and Chevron.
Additionally, he is a trustee of the Huntsman Foundation, which has led the way in establishing the Huntsman Cancer Institute along with the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, which are both located at the University of Utah.
Huntsman commented: “Mastercard has an extraordinary company culture that is driven by a profound commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable, digital-driven economic growth throughout the world.”
“I very much look forward to being part of this great team to further scale new business opportunities and partnerships in support of the company’s exciting strategic growth opportunities.”
In recent news, Mastercard has begun working with blockchain wallet provider MetaMask to develop an on-chains payments card that runs on blockchain technology and will be the first of its kind.
