Ann Cairns, Vice Chairman of Mastercard

In her role as Vice Chairman Ann represents Mastercard around the world, focusing on inclusion, diversity and innovation. She plays the important role of senior ambassador and executive leader and forms part of the company’s global management committee.

Prior to her appointment Ann was President of International Markets responsible for the management of all Mastercard customer-related activities in over 200 countries around the world.

With a Mathematics degree and a M.Sc. with research into medical statistics, an early career as an award-winning research engineer culminated as the Head of Offshore Engineer-Planning for British Gas where Ann was the first woman qualified to go offshore in Britain.

Ann went on to gain over 20 years’ experience in senior management positions across the world. Prior to joining Mastercard in 2011, Ann was head of the Financial Services Group with Alvarez & Marsal, CEO of Transaction Banking at ABN-AMRO, and held senior positions at Citigroup.

Ann sits on the group board of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and is chair of ICE Clear Europe.