Former EVP of Mastercard Services for Europe | Expert in Digital Payments, Consumer Loyalty, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity | Investor & Advisor
Last month, I closed the chapter on an incredible 21-year journey with Mastercard. What a remarkable experience it has been! I started as an Account Director for Italian banks and ended my tenure leading the Mastercard Services business for Europe, where I had the privilege to manage a team of 600+ talented individuals across 20 countries and collaborate with colleagues and partners from all over the world. I’ve had the honour of working alongside some of the smartest and most inspiring people I could imagine like managers, colleagues, clients, and partners who shaped my career and enriched my journey. To all of you, thank you! Making a positive impact through business has always been my driving force, and I am particularly proud of the role I played in simplifying, securing, and modernizing payments, making them more convenient for both consumers and merchants. Today, paying contactless is the norm even in Italy, but looking back, I often smile when I tap my phone to pay for a coffee. It brings me back to November 2009, when we launched contactless technology in Milan with a small, visionary group of banks, acquirers, and retailers. Together, we shared a bold vision for the future of payments. I’ll never forget the challenges we overcame, the collaborations we built, and the joy of witnessing those first signs of success. While I now look forward to what’s next, I remain deeply grateful for this journey and the people who made it so impactful. Here’s to continuing to innovate, create, and inspire in the years ahead!
Dear Paolo, you have been an incredible role model for many of us, exemplifying passion, professionalism, knowledge, team spirit, and a "hands-on" approach despite your seniority. It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to work under your leadership. I wish you all the best in your next endeavor, which I am confident will be a great success.
Paolo Battiston …Thank you for being a great boss & working partner! Thank you for your great leadership and for the trust you have always shown in me, it has been a privilege to have you as my boss & work side by side in various departments & teams. I will always aim to uphold the work ethic you brought & the dedication that you showed in everything that you did. Together as a team we’ve had a lot of fun & many memories of happy moments to cherish. In the years we worked together, you were my boss first and my friend second... Now, I look forward to just being your friend! Take Care Paolo
Dear Paolo, Very Happy to have shared with you in your first part of the journey when you were a new account for italian Banks for my group based in Lodi. Our agreement has been Amazing with the passion you had in making It. Good luck Paolo for Your new chapter! a
Having had the pleasure of collaborating with you, I’ve experienced so many of your remarkable qualities. But two stand out to me as truly defining who you are: curiosity and integrity. It’s rare to find someone who embodies these values so naturally. I’m sure they will continue to shape not only your next steps but also those lucky enough to cross your path.
Viktor Talan
2w
All the best in your next chapter, Paolo! It was a pleasure and honor to work with you!
Andrea Poletto
13h
Caro Paolo buon proseguimento del “viaggio”. Di te ho sempre apprezzato l’empatia, la visione protesa sul futuro, la tenacia e la trasparenza, valori che ti supporteranno sempre. Un grande in bocca al lupo per le tue nuove sfide. Un abbraccio forte. Andrea
Carissimo Paolo e’ stato un grandissimo onore e piacere averti come capo in MC…Sei sempre stato un punto di riferimento non solo per le tue immense competenze ma anche per la tua grandissima umanità. Ti auguro tutto il meglio x questa “nuova vita”….Te lo meriti 💪
Mi hai fatto ricordare momenti epocali vissuti insieme. Il contactless, la prima carta Black e tanto altro ancora... In bocca al lupo per tutto quanto ancora da costruire/inventare
Un glorioso pezzo di storia si chiude per Mastercard. Per sempre grato per avermi portato in Mastercard ed aver accompagnato il mio percorso nei primi 7 anni. Un grosso in bocca al lupo per il tuo prossimo capitolo personale e professionale.
Executive Vice President, Co-Head Mastercard Advisors and Head of Client Services
1wDear Paolo, I wish you all the best in your new chapter! I still remember my first interview with you in Piazza Indipendenza back in December 2010 (wow, time flies!) and the expectations you had from a profile like mine joining Mastercard. I will always bring with me the memories working together in Italy and across Europe over the last 14 years - I learned a lot and always appreciated your passion for the business, your commitment and willingness to bring results! Well done and see you soon in Rome!