Mastercard has promoted Avinav Malhotra to Director – Product and Growth, recognising his pivotal role in driving product innovation and customer-focused strategies. In his expanded role, he will lead consumer credit card solutions across South Asia, advancing digital payment innovations, customer experience, and data-driven growth initiatives for the company.
Mastercard has promoted Avinav Malhotra to Director – Product and Growth, recognising his pivotal role in driving product innovation and customer-focused strategies. In his expanded role, he will lead consumer credit card solutions across South Asia, advancing digital payment innovations, customer experience, and data-driven growth initiatives for the company.
Mastercard has announced the elevation of Avinav Malhotra to Director – Product and Growth, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership bench in South Asia. Malhotra’s promotion comes as recognition of his significant contributions to product innovation, customer-centric growth strategies, and the expansion of Mastercard’s consumer credit card portfolio in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial markets.
In his new role, Malhotra will continue to drive product strategy and portfolio growth for consumer credit card solutions across South Asia. His mandate includes leading initiatives that enhance customer experience, harness data-driven decision-making, and accelerate digital payment innovations. With South Asia emerging as a critical hub for fintech adoption and digital transactions, Mastercard’s decision to entrust Malhotra with this expanded responsibility reflects both his proven track record and the company’s strategic focus on innovation-led growth.
Malhotra’s journey at Mastercard spans over four years, during which he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product offerings. As Manager – Product Management, he spearheaded co-brand product launches with leading partners such as Myntra and Swiggy, strengthening Mastercard’s presence in lifestyle and food delivery ecosystems. His leadership extended to initiatives across cross-border payments, contactless solutions, and tokenisation, all of which have been instrumental in positioning Mastercard as a trusted enabler of seamless and secure transactions.
Prior to joining Mastercard, Malhotra built a diverse portfolio of experience across industries and organisations, each contributing to his multifaceted expertise in product, marketing, and innovation. At Samsung India, he held key product leadership roles, where he contributed to the launch of Samsung India Care+, a comprehensive device protection plan, and transformed Samsung Members into a large-scale engagement platform. These initiatives not only enhanced customer loyalty but also demonstrated his ability to blend technology with consumer insights to create impactful solutions.
His career trajectory also includes stints at Stayzilla, Charmboard (later acquired), The Right Brain Collective, CnT Architects, and TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute. Each of these roles added layers to his professional repertoire, from hospitality and digital engagement to sustainability and design. This breadth of experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on product development, enabling him to approach challenges with creativity and adaptability.
Malhotra’s elevation comes at a time when the payments industry is undergoing rapid transformation. The rise of digital wallets, contactless payments, and embedded finance has redefined consumer expectations, making innovation and customer-centricity non-negotiable for financial institutions. Mastercard, with its global reach and technological prowess, has been at the forefront of this evolution, and leaders like Malhotra are central to ensuring that the company remains agile and responsive to market dynamics.
Industry observers note that South Asia presents both immense opportunities and complex challenges for payment companies. The region’s diverse consumer base, varying regulatory environments, and rapid digital adoption require nuanced strategies that balance innovation with inclusivity. Malhotra’s experience in launching co-branded products and driving engagement platforms positions him well to navigate these complexities. His focus on data-driven decision-making is expected to further strengthen Mastercard’s ability to deliver personalised and relevant solutions to consumers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Malhotra’s career reflects a consistent emphasis on building ecosystems that empower consumers. Whether through device protection plans at Samsung, lifestyle-linked credit card partnerships at Mastercard, or engagement platforms that foster community, his work has centred on enhancing value for end-users. This ethos aligns closely with Mastercard’s vision of connecting and powering an inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.
As Director – Product and Growth, Malhotra will be tasked with not only expanding Mastercard’s product portfolio but also ensuring that innovation translates into tangible benefits for consumers. His leadership will be critical in advancing initiatives that integrate emerging technologies such as tokenisation and contactless solutions into everyday transactions, making payments more secure and convenient. Moreover, his role in shaping customer experience strategies will be pivotal in strengthening Mastercard’s brand equity in a competitive market.
The promotion also highlights Mastercard’s broader strategy of nurturing talent from within. By recognising leaders who have demonstrated impact across roles, the company reinforces its commitment to building a culture of growth and innovation. Malhotra’s journey from Manager – Product Management to Director – Product and Growth exemplifies this approach, serving as an inspiration for professionals across the organisation.
Looking ahead, Malhotra’s expanded responsibilities will likely see him collaborating closely with partners, regulators, and technology providers to drive Mastercard’s agenda in South Asia. His ability to bridge product innovation with customer-centric strategies will be crucial in ensuring that Mastercard not only adapts to evolving market trends but also shapes them.
In an industry where trust, security, and convenience are paramount, leaders like Avinav Malhotra play a defining role in translating vision into reality. His promotion marks a significant milestone in his career and signals Mastercard’s confidence in his ability to steer product and growth strategies in a region that is central to the future of digital payments.
At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking seamless, personalised, and secure payment experiences, Malhotra’s leadership promises to deliver solutions that resonate with evolving needs. His journey reflects the power of innovation, adaptability, and customer focus—qualities that will continue to drive Mastercard’s growth story in South Asia and beyond.
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