|
Charles Niehaus is responsible for all aspects of Visa’s business in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Charles Niehaus joined Visa in February 2006 and has played an integral role in developing Visa’s presence in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to his current role as General Manager he was responsible for heading up business development in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa. He deals primarily with Financial Institutions, Regulators, Policy Makers and Merchants. During his tenure at Visa, the company has entered six new markets on the African continent and the client base has grown substantially. Charles is a strong supporter of innovation in the payments arena and growing financial services and payments into new segments and channels.
Prior to joining Visa, he filled various positions in the payments area of Nedbank, a large South African banking group.
With his diverse experience and in-depth knowledge, Charles is well placed to focus on Visa’s relationships in the region and to ensure that the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ sponsorship is a success for all stakeholders involved. Charles is currently ensuring that the South African and Sub-Saharan markets see the direct benefits of our partnership with FIFA. Visa’s client financial institutions will gain access to the FIFA property by accessing the pass-through rights available to them. This allows for bank customers to have direct access to FIFA through match tickets, branded merchandise and merchant programmes. Charles’ role is fundamental to the success of the FIFA sponsorship by supporting activations in the host market of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Charles holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce from Stellenbosch University, Western Cape and an MBA from the University of Cape Town. He resides in Johannesburg with his wife Jen and daughter Chloe.
