Leadership in financial technology requires vision, adaptability and the ability to forge meaningful connections across borders, qualities that define the career of Kiki Del Valle. As division president for North Latin America at Mastercard, she oversees relationships with a broad spectrum of customers and connects financial institutions across more than two hundred markets. Through this role, she has strengthened Mastercard’s presence while advancing strategies that expand financial access and innovation throughout the region.
Ms. Del Valle’s academic background provided the foundation for her success in the global financial services sector. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and international business from Goizueta Business School at Emory University, followed by a Master of Business Administration in finance and strategy from the same institution. These experiences refined her analytical and strategic skills, preparing her to navigate the complexities of emerging and established markets. She credits her achievements to the mentorship she received early in her career, exposure to high-profile global projects that demanded accountability and creativity, and the support of her family.
Before becoming division president, Ms. Del Valle was an executive market development lead for Latin America and the Caribbean at Mastercard. In that capacity, she expanded the company’s reach and cultivated partnerships that positioned Mastercard as the preferred partner for fintech companies across the region. Under her leadership, the company’s fintech practice provided services to millions of underserved individuals, advancing financial inclusion on a scale that has reshaped access to banking and payments.
Ms. Del Valle’s leadership trajectory also includes working as a senior vice president of digital partnerships for Latin America and the Caribbean. During that time, she strengthened relationships with key digital players and developed payment solutions that connected consumers and businesses across diverse markets. As senior vice president of digital future, she drove strategies that placed Mastercard at the forefront of digital transformation, anticipating the evolution of payment systems and preparing the company to lead in a rapidly changing environment.
Earlier, Ms. Del Valle was the senior vice president of social networks and operating systems, a role in which she managed Mastercard’s relationships with major global technology firms. Among her most notable achievements was overseeing the launch of Apple Pay and guiding the introduction of other mobile payment platforms such as Samsung Pay and Google Pay. Her efforts helped integrate Mastercard into the digital payments ecosystem worldwide, ensuring the company’s relevance in an increasingly mobile-first economy.
Ms. Del Valle’s career foundation was built through experiences in market development and financial services management. As vice president of U.S. market development, she advanced Mastercard’s domestic strategy, launching products and forging alliances that strengthened the company’s competitive position. Prior to joining Mastercard, she was a finance manager for new product development and bankcard financial services at Home Depot, where she directed financial planning for innovative consumer products. Her first professional role was as a commercial analyst with the GE Financial Management Program at GE Power, where she learned the fundamentals of global finance and corporate accountability.
As a result of her exceptional leadership, Ms. Del Valle has been honored in the payments and fintech industries. She has been named one of the Most Inspiring Women in Technology by World Future Awards, one of the Most Powerful Latinas in the United States by the Association of Latino Professionals for America Foundation, and among the 50 Women to Watch for Boards by 50/50 Women on Boards. Her influence has also been highlighted on Forbes Mexico’s list of Las 100 Mujeres mas Poderosas de Mexico. Additional recognition includes the LATAM Advocate for Women Award from Women in Payments and being honored as one of American Banker’s Most Influential Women in Fintech.
Ms. Del Valle’s dedication to promoting diversity and leadership is reflected through her executive membership with Latino Corporate Directors Association. Beyond her corporate endeavors, she is committed to civic engagement, serving as a board member for WaterAid America and on the advisory board for Women in Payments. These roles demonstrate her commitment to advancing not only the financial services sector but also global access to resources and opportunities.
Looking to the future, Ms. Del Valle remains committed to expanding financial inclusion on a global scale while ensuring continued growth and innovation within Mastercard. By leveraging digital technologies and fostering strategic partnerships, she seeks to create solutions that will not only shape the present but also leave a legacy for future generations