Visa names region chief

Digital payments leader Visa announced the appointment of Jeff Navarro as its new country manager for the Philippines and Guam, succeeding Dan Wolbert, who has moved to a new role in Visa's North American operations.

Visa said Jeff is a seasoned leader who is passionate about the financial payments industry, covering both retail and digital.

He joins Visa from Western Union where he was Regional Vice President, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei & Indochina.

He was also president and chairman of the board, Western Union Processing Services Inc.

Prior to his new post, Jeff worked at SMART Communications and Shell, across sales, brand, and business development roles.

New leadership role

Welcoming Jeff into Visa's leadership team, Tareq Muhmood, Visa's Group Country Manager for Regional Southeast Asia, said Jeff and the team "will drive our business agenda with clients, consumers, and regulators in the Philippines and Guam, in line with our purpose to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid."

"Jeff's regional experience and in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry will be an asset for Visa and will serve him well in leading our team," Muhmood added.

"I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead a team of seasoned professionals, who share the drive and passion to further widen financial inclusion for all Filipinos," Navarro said.

"I look forward to working closely with our clients, fintechs, the regulator, and all stakeholders to grow digital payments in the country, and enable individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive," he added.