Intercultural communication
Rafal Trepka
VP, Head Of Customer Solutions In CIS & Caucasus, Mastercard
Almaty
Summary
Accomplished General Manager with progressive Consumer & Payments industry background and decisive leadership style. Offers strategic planning abilities, background in change management and forward-thinking mindset. Ready for challenges and focused on meeting future demands.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
VP, Customer Solutions, Central Asia & Caucasus
Mastercard
Almaty, Kazakhstan Based With Regular Travel
05.2024 - Current
- Set strategy based on the market's situation and trends, and in line with corporate strategy (focused on clients and market diversification).
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long-term goals for: (i) growing core business, (ii) building new flows, and (iii) diversifying via inorganic engagements (including M&A/JV, and new blockchain opportunities).
- Drive an actionable execution plan (set up and progress).
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maximizing return on investments, securing delivery for $150M+ net revenue targets.
General Manager, Central Asia
Mastercard
Almaty, Kazakhstan With Regular Travel
04.2020 - 08.2024
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Turned around the market from earlier losses and regulatory risk to sustainable growth.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty, including the development and implementation of strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Expanded strategic partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing brand credibility, and access to new customer segments.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Pioneered corporate social responsibility program, building community engagement and enhancing brand reputation.
VP, Commerce Development, Central & Eastern Europe
Mastercard
Prague, Czech Republic Based With Regular Travel
03.2016 - 03.2020
- Reshaped the strategy to drive company growth in acquiring, and increase market share and profitability.
- Collaborated with senior management at Acquirers, PSPs, and Merchants to develop strategic initiatives and long-term goals.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity, especially in setting up successful teams supporting partners in local markets.
- Increased acquisition growth through collaboration with Account Managers and marketing departments.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities (especially Loyalty & Rewards, Payment Gateways, and Services) and forging strategic partnerships with key Acquirers and Merchants.
- Launched new acceptance products or services in various markets by conducting comprehensive market research studies and tailoring offerings based on customer needs analysis (mobile and soft POS, self-service solutions, omnichannel checkout, transit solutions).
- Led recruitment and cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Managed acquiring P&L, pricing initiatives, and as an outcome of all the above, delivered on high expectations and targets.
Director, Business Development, Core Products
Mastercard
London, UK
11.2012 - 02.2016
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices within various European markets (with a focus on Central Europe and Germany).
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations (including top management, country, product, and marketing teams).
- Implemented innovative rewards and affluent segment solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased value proposition, product economics, productivity, and streamlined operations.
- Secured key vendor partnerships that contributed to the core products' overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with data protection, regulatory, and security requirements.
- Enhanced data-driven decision-making by recruiting key resources, implementing advanced analytics and reporting tools.
Relationship & Business Development Manager
Mastercard
Warsaw, Poland
01.2009 - 10.2012
- Established strong relationships with key decision-makers within the customer's organization to promote a consultative sales approach, solution orientation, growth, and retention.
- Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
- Performed client research, monitored market trends, and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity within my accounts, and I provided suggestions to other colleagues.
- Delivered compelling sales presentations to prospective clients, highlighting the unique value proposition of our products and services.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support, and customer engagement strategies.
- Collaborated closely with marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns that generated issuer card sales, activation, and usage, and hence also Mastercard growth.
National Business Development Manager
Vandemoortele
Warsaw Poland & Izegem Belgium
01.2006 - 12.2008
- Cultivated an extensive professional network within the industry, facilitating access to valuable resources and information on emerging trends.
- Increased account sales in line with targets through cold calls, engagement at events, direct contacts, and traveling across the country.
- Secured long-term contracts by establishing strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders (key examples: KFC, Tesco, Netto, Carrefour, and wholesale B2B partners).
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions tailored to client needs.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations while pursuing new business opportunities in Poland.
Business Development & Marketing Manager
Brook House
Johannesburg, South Africa
06.2005 - 08.2005
- Conducted comprehensive market research and analysis to identify emerging markets, leveraging insights to tailor marketing campaigns for maximum impact (Europe-focused).
- Streamlined internal processes to enhance overall efficiency, ultimately resulting in increased revenue generation.
- Mentored local personnel on best practices and protocols to maximize productivity.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
Senior Consultant
Embassy of the Republic of Poland - Trade and Investment Section
London, UK
05.2005 - 05.2005
- Delivered high-quality solutions for clients through comprehensive research and analysis of industry trends in order to facilitate trade between Poland and the UK.
- Troubleshot issues by understanding issue, diagnosing root cause and coming up with effective solutions.
- Presented findings and recommendations to executive-level stakeholders, effectively communicating key insights and action plans.
Education
MBA - Business Administration, Management and Operations
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management
Minneapolis 04.2001 -
Postgraduate - Master of Business Administration
Warsaw School of Economics - Carlson School of Management
Poland 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - International Supply Management
CAH Vilentum University
Netherlands 04.2001 -
Master of Science - Consumer Economics
Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Poland 04.2001 -
Erasmus Diploma - Marketing and Consumer Market Analysis
Ghent University
Belgium01.2003
Skills
* Strategic and growth planning
* Business development with ability to solve complex problems
* Cross-functional team leadership, coaching and mentoring
* Results-driven with budget oversight and financial acumen
* Building partnerships, affiliations and strong client relationship
* Corporate identity & branding
Interests
Future of Payments
Family
Timeline
VP, Customer Solutions, Central Asia & Caucasus
Mastercard
05.2024 - Current
General Manager, Central Asia
Mastercard
04.2020 - 08.2024
VP, Commerce Development, Central & Eastern Europe
Mastercard
03.2016 - 03.2020
Director, Business Development, Core Products
Mastercard
11.2012 - 02.2016
Relationship & Business Development Manager
Mastercard
01.2009 - 10.2012
National Business Development Manager
Vandemoortele
01.2006 - 12.2008
Business Development & Marketing Manager
Brook House
06.2005 - 08.2005
Senior Consultant
Embassy of the Republic of Poland - Trade and Investment Section
05.2005 - 05.2005
MBA - Business Administration, Management and Operations
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management
04.2001 -
Postgraduate - Master of Business Administration
Warsaw School of Economics - Carlson School of Management
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - International Supply Management
CAH Vilentum University
04.2001 -
Master of Science - Consumer Economics
Warsaw University of Life Sciences
04.2001 -
Erasmus Diploma - Marketing and Consumer Market Analysis
Ghent University