Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Interests
Timeline
Generic

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Belgium
01.2003

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

Websites

Interests

Intercultural communication

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

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Rafal TrepkaVP, Head Of Customer Solutions In CIS & Caucasus, Mastercard