Mastercard has announced that Megan Simons will assume the role of country manager for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Ruth Riviere, who will relocate to Sweden next year to lead Mastercard’s Services business for Northern Europe (Nordics, Baltics, Netherlands, and Iceland).
Simons – currently vice-president, product and innovation, Australasia – brings nearly 18 years of deep payments experience to the role, having spent almost a decade at American Express prior to joining Mastercard in 2018.
Born and raised in New Zealand, she has been a driving force in delivering Mastercard’s digital product innovation across the region, playing a pivotal role in scaling solutions such as Click to Pay and Instalments, enhancing secure, seamless payments for consumers and businesses. Her extensive market knowledge and proven track record in driving innovation make her ideally placed to guide the business into its next chapter.
“I’m honoured to take the helm of a team I’ve been proud to help grow over the years,” said Simons. “Ruth has set an incredible foundation, and I’m excited to build on that work as we usher New Zealand into the next generation of payments, delivering innovation, security, and value for consumers, businesses, and partners.”
The transition follows Riviere’s eight years leading Mastercard’s business in the region, during which she drove significant growth and innovation, strengthened Mastercard’s position as the partner of choice for New Zealand’s dynamic fintech sector, and launched market-leading digital propositions for SMEs and consumers in partnership with innovators such as Emerge, Debut, Sharesies, and Extraordinary.
Riviere also transformed Mastercard’s presence in the Pacific Islands, expanding partnerships and introducing market-first digital debit solutions, alongside a programme of funded initiatives focused on security, inclusion, and women-led SMEs. She built a high-performing team, including a locally based Services capability.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to help shape Aotearoa and the Pacific’s dynamic and evolving payments system, working alongside some of the country’s most respected financial institutions and partners,” said Riviere.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved, navigating regulatory reviews, a global pandemic and the rapid acceleration of digital payments, while continuing to deliver for our customers and communities.”
Simons will report to incoming division president for Australasia, Paul Monnington, following Richard Wormald’s promotion to president, Asia-Pacific.
“Ruth has delivered outstanding results during her time leading New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, strengthening our partnerships, expanding our presence, and building a high-performing team,” said Wormald.
“Megan is well positioned to build on this momentum. Her deep market knowledge and proven track record in driving innovation make her the natural choice to guide the business into its next chapter.”
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