MasterCard appoints Ivan S. Jones as VP, e-Business Development for MENA region

He is responsible for spearheading MasterCard's program to help member financial institutions take advantage of the exciting new opportunities enabled by e-business technology.

Jones has taken up this new position within the organisation as the company continues to expand following the opening of the regional headquarters in Dubai at the end of last year. His appointment reinforces MasterCard's commitment to the region and to the development of e-commerce initiatives both regionally and globally.

Jones joined MasterCard in 1988 and was responsible for assisting Asian, Middle East and African members build connections to Banknet, MasterCard's global authorisation, clearing and settlement network. In 1994, Jones became involved in the planning and development of MasterCard's global e-business strategy and brings his expertise to this region with his move to Dubai.

Prior to joining MasterCard, Jones worked for National Westminster Bank for ten years in London, UK before immigrating to Canada. He then worked for the Bank of Montreal in Canada and USA for 15 years where he ended his tenure as manager of BMO's international fund transfer operation. He also represented the bank at the Council on International Banking in New York.

'It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ivan to the MasterCard team here in Dubai. Having worked on the development of MasterCard's global e-business strategy for over eight years Ivan brings a wealth of experience to the Middle East and North Africa. He will be working closely with the member financial institutions to implement new payment solutions within the e-business section across the region,' explained Mohamed Belarj, senior vice president and general manager, MasterCard International, Middle East and North Africa.

'I am delighted to be joining the MasterCard team here in Dubai and for the opportunity to work in one of the fastest growing and most exciting regions on the development of e-business payment solutions. Working alongside the member financial institutions on our new e-business programs will help to bring these programs to the region and offer added value to customers,' said Ivan S. Jones, vice president, e-Business Development, MasterCard International, Middle East and North Africa.