MasterCard Names Kevin Stanton President MasterCard Advisors

PURCHASE, NY, Dec. 8 /CNW/ - MasterCard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) today announced the appointment of Kevin Stanton as president, MasterCard Advisors, the company's professional services arm. Previously, Mr. Stanton served as the company's president of the Canada region. This move is effective January 1, 2010 .

"I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Stanton as president, MasterCard Advisors," said Gary Flood , president, Global Products and Solutions, MasterCard Worldwide. "Over the past several years MasterCard Advisors has developed into a key differentiator for our organization. From our unique information services, to our highly skilled data analytic and risk management practices, our products and services are unmatched in the industry. As a strong leader, who has produced solid results, we look forward to Kevin helping us expand and more fully realize the potential of our Advisors' offerings."

In his new role Stanton will be responsible for driving the overall competitive and differentiated products and services offered through MasterCard Advisors. He will have global oversight of the regional Advisors teams, as well as the three practice areas, including: Marketing Services; Information and Analytics; and Risk, Fraud and Operational Efficiency; as well as its high-impact strategic consulting services.

For the past five years Stanton served as president of the Canada region, where he was responsible for the strategic planning and business performance of all aspects of the company's Canadian operations. Under his leadership, MasterCard became - and continues to be - the fastest growing payments brand in Canada according to industry statistics. Prior to that, Stanton was senior vice president, Strategy and Market Development in Canada , and held positions of increasing responsibility in MasterCard's law department, including serving as vice president, senior counsel, and North America Region counsel.

A search is currently underway for the successor as president of the Canada region. In the interim, Walt M. Macnee, president, International Markets, will work closely with the regional management team to ensure continuity. Additionally, Stanton will continue to play a role in managing the region, including involvement in the region's government and regulatory work, until his successor is named.

About MasterCard Advisors

MasterCard Advisors provides payments consulting, information, analytics, and customized services to financial institutions and their merchant partners worldwide. Addressing complex challenges in strategy, marketing, risk, and operations, MasterCard Advisors helps clients maximize the value of their payments businesses. As the professional services arm of MasterCard Worldwide, MasterCard Advisors is uniquely qualified to provide clients with insights and solutions that drive tangible impact and financial gain. For more information, go to www.mastercardadvisors.com.

About MasterCard Incorporated

MasterCard Incorporated advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R), MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

For further information: Media Relations: Chris Monteiro, [email protected], [phone]; Jennifer Reed, [email protected], [phone]