Visa International enhances presence in Kuwait with appointment of new General Manager

The announcement was made by Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager for Visa International Middle East, who said, "The appointment of Majeed Hujair to this key position within the Visa International CEMEA region signals a significant intensification of our efforts to expand and develop the electronic payment environment in Kuwait and represents a milestone in the process of realising our mission in the GCC, as it is the first time a senior executive has been dedicated to this important market for Visa.

'We aim to be the preferred payment partner for our member banks, cardholders, merchants and regulators by building a professional team that pursues excellence in execution and innovation. Majeed Hujair's appointment will help ensure that Visa is closer to its members in Kuwait to be able to address their needs, support their growth and participate more actively and positively in the growth of the country's economy."

In his new position as General Manager for Kuwait, Mr. Hujair will be responsible for managing Visa's relationship with Member Banks, merchants, regulators and government agencies.

Hujair brings to Visa International a wealth of experience from over fifteen years with American Express in the Middle East and North Africa, most recently as Head of Business Development for these two regions. Majeed has had extensive experience in developing card acquisition and distribution strategies through alliances with local and regional banks across the GCC and the Levant.

Prior to this, he served as Manager of Corporate Services for American Express Middle East and North Africa where he was responsible for the growth and profitability of commercial products. His expertise also includes supporting marketing and research activities aimed at gaining insights into consumer attitudes and behaviours.

'Through Majeed Hujair's active presence in the Kuwaiti market, we aim to help our Issuing banks to build buyer interest in the system and to help our Acquiring banks to extend the Visa acceptance network whilst ensuring that we meet the needs of all our key partners.' Siddiqi added.

On his appointment, Majeed Hujair said,

"Visa's vision is to continue to be the electronic payments leader in the GCC and Visa Kuwait has a significant role to play in achieving this. Kuwait is a thriving and progressive market with a sophisticated and affluent population and a rapidly developing banking system. We believe that through Visa International's strengthened presence in Kuwait, we can continue to bring increasing benefits to the local economy and help transform Kuwait into an increasingly cashless society. I am looking forward to working alongside our Member Banks, regulators, government agencies and the merchant sector in Kuwait as Visa moves to fulfill its potential of providing payments leadership to our customers."