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MasterCard Appoints Stuart McKinlay as New Zealand Country Manager

Auckland, 1 March 2007 - MasterCard Worldwide has appointed Stuart McKinlay as the first New Zealand-based country manager for MasterCard.

McKinlay has been appointed to head up the New Zealand operation for MasterCard following the opening of the company's first New Zealand office this week.

Formerly based in Sydney as vice president, business development, MasterCard Worldwide, McKinlay has worked for MasterCard for more than five years and during this time focused on developing relationships with major banks across both sides of the Tasman.

MasterCard Executive Vice President Australasia, Leigh Clapham, said the combination of Stuart's many contacts in New Zealand, his depth of knowledge of the local market and his expertise in the payments industry meant he was a natural choice for the position.

"Having a physical presence in New Zealand will enable MasterCard to work more closely with our customers to develop products appropriate for this market," said Clapham.

"The increasing size and sophistication of the New Zealand payments market means it is an opportune time for MasterCard to bolster its presence in New Zealand and strengthen relationships with key customer financial institutions," said McKinlay.

McKinlay, who is married with two children, gained his academic qualifications at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia with a Bachelor of Economics followed by an MBA from the Macquarie University Graduate School of Management.

McKinlay will be supported by former advertising executive Peter Moore, who has been working as a consultant to MasterCard in New Zealand for the past year.


About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 16 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercardworldwide.com.