Visa has today announced the appointment of Anne Kinuthia Otieno as its new Vice President and Head of East Africa, effective August 4, 2026.
Anne will oversee Visa’s operations across seven East African markets, leading efforts to expand digital payments, deepen relationships with financial institutions and partners, and accelerate financial inclusion across the region.
The appointment comes shortly after Anne stepped down from her role as Managing Director of Airtel Money Kenya, where she oversaw a period of growth and market expansion for the mobile money business. Her career spans more than two decades across banking, telecommunications and digital financial services, with previous leadership roles at Absa and Barclays Bank covering retail banking, SME banking, product innovation, distribution and risk management.
“Anne’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Visa and for East Africa’s digital economy,” said Michael Berner, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director, Southern and Eastern Africa at Visa. “Her deep understanding of the region, proven leadership experience and passion for financial inclusion will be instrumental as we continue working with clients, partners and governments to expand access to digital payments and economic opportunity.”
Anne said East Africa continues to be one of the world’s most innovative payments markets and highlighted the opportunity to drive the next phase of digital commerce and financial inclusion.
“East Africa is one of the most dynamic and innovative payments markets in the world, with tremendous opportunities to advance financial inclusion and digital commerce. I look forward to working with Visa’s clients, partners and talented teams across the region to help drive the next phase of growth and innovation,” she said.
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