Ajay Banga is an Indian-American business executive who currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Mastercard, a leading global payment technology company. Born on October 28, 1959, in Pune, India, Banga is known for his exceptional leadership skills and his contribution to the financial services industry.

Banga spent his early years in India and completed his schooling at the St. Xavier’s School in Delhi. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

In 1981, Banga began his career at Nestle India, where he worked for 13 years in various roles, including sales and marketing. He then moved to PepsiCo, where he spent six years, serving as the CEO of PepsiCo’s operations in Mexico and later as the President of PepsiCo’s Asia-Pacific region.

In 2000, Banga joined Citigroup, where he worked for 13 years in various leadership positions, including CEO of Citigroup’s International Global Consumer Group and Chairman and CEO of Citigroup Asia Pacific. During his tenure at Citigroup, Banga played a significant role in expanding the company’s global presence and strengthening its customer base.

In 2010, Banga was appointed as the CEO of Mastercard, and under his leadership, the company witnessed significant growth and expansion. He focused on driving innovation and expanding the company’s digital payment capabilities, making Mastercard one of the world’s leading digital payment platforms.

In January 2021, Banga stepped down as the CEO of Mastercard and was appointed as the company’s Executive Chairman. He continues to be actively involved in shaping the company’s strategy and driving its growth.

Banga has received several awards and recognition for his contribution to the business world, including the Padma Shri Award, one of India’s highest civilian honors. He has also been recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s most powerful people and as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

Apart from his business achievements, Banga is also involved in various philanthropic activities. He is a member of the board of directors of the United States Council for International Business, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the Peterson Institute for International Economics. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the New York Academy of Sciences and the Weill Cornell Medicine Board of Overseers.

In conclusion, Ajay Banga’s remarkable career in the business world and his contribution to the financial services industry has made him one of the most respected and influential leaders in the world. His dedication to innovation and his commitment to social responsibility continue to inspire and motivate others in the business community.