Director, Business Development - Travel & Entertainment

Our Purpose Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. Title and Summary Director, Business Development - Travel & Entertainment Overview The Retail & Commerce team is responsible for developing and growing Mastercard's strategic relationships across key consumer commerce sectors. Working with leading ecosystem anchors, the team helps partners accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new sources of value by bringing together Mastercard's global partnerships, payments capabilities, services, loyalty, data and analytics, cyber and intelligence solutions, and emerging technologies. Within Retail & Commerce, the Travel Partnerships function is responsible for developing Mastercard's position across the travel sector and driving growth with airlines, hotel groups, online travel agencies, travel management companies, travel loyalty programmes, and travel technology providers. The role is responsible for developing Mastercard's strategic position within one of the world's largest consumer commerce sectors by identifying and scaling partnership opportunities that create value for travel ecosystem participants, travellers, and Mastercard. The Director, Business Development, Travel Partnerships, Africa will be responsible for advancing Mastercard's position across the African travel ecosystem, identifying strategic growth opportunities, building executive relationships with key industry participants, and connecting partners to Mastercard's full portfolio of capabilities. Role In this client-facing position, you will: Build Strategic Partnerships • Develop and strengthen Mastercard's strategic relationships with leading travel ecosystem participants across Africa. • Build and deepen senior executive relationships across airlines, hotel groups, online travel agencies, travel management companies, travel loyalty programmes, and travel technology providers. • Develop strategic partnership plans aligned with partners' growth objectives and Mastercard's priorities. • Position Mastercard as a strategic growth, innovation, and technology partner by leveraging the full breadth of Mastercard capabilities. • Develop and execute executive engagement strategies that strengthen Mastercard's relationships with key travel industry stakeholders. Industry Leadership & Ecosystem Development • Develop Mastercard's position across the African travel ecosystem by identifying emerging industry trends, growth opportunities, and partnership models that strengthen Mastercard's relevance in travel. • Identify and cultivate strategic ecosystem partnerships capable of creating scalable growth opportunities across multiple African markets. • Identify opportunities to expand Mastercard's role across the traveller journey and the broader travel ecosystem. • Monitor competitive developments, evolving business models, and technology trends shaping the future of the travel industry. …