Simon Forbes

Simon Forbes is Mastercard’s Division President for UK and Ireland, responsible for the strategy, direction, and success of the region.

An industry expert, Simon has been at the forefront of changes and innovation in payments. He joined Mastercard in 2014, holding a variety of roles, including leading Mastercard’s relationships with high street retail banks and developing its business with pan-European retail and travel merchants. Before that, he spent six years at American Express.

Simon leads a business that enables economic growth by helping people, businesses and governments pay and get paid safely and securely. With his teams, he believes passionately in fostering greater financial and digital inclusion and helping small businesses grow. Mastercard’s flagship Strive UK program has already reached one million entrepreneurs, equipping them with the digital skills they need to grow their business.