Mastercard names Jon Huntsman as vice chairman and president of strategic growth

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. was named vice chairman and president for strategic growth at Mastercard, the company announced Monday.

Huntsman — who served as governor from 2005 to 2009 and served as U.S. ambassador to China and Russia during the Obama and Trump administrations, respectively — will fill the position on April 15, according to a press release. In the role, Huntsman will be tasked with managing partnerships with governments and head the “company’s inclusive growth, philanthropy and sustainability agenda.”

“Jon’s unique experience spanning four decades in public and private sectors will be extremely valuable as we build the future of Mastercard,” the company CEO Michael Miebach said. “He will play a pivotal role in helping advance our approach to commercial sustainability through social impact, consistent with our company’s core value of doing well by doing good.”

Mastercard is one of the world’s largest payment technology companies and is headquartered in Purchase, New York. Huntsman will lead the company’s philanthropic efforts and its environmental, social and governance programs — including Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, which “advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion,” and is celebrating 10 years.

“Mastercard has an extraordinary company culture that is driven by a profound commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable, digital-driven economic growth throughout the world,” Huntsman said. “I very much look forward to being part of this great team to further scale new business opportunities and partnerships in support of the company’s exciting strategic growth opportunities.”

In addition to his public service, Huntsman has extensive experience in the private sector. He previously served as an executive with Huntsman Corporation and as a vice chairman of Ford Motor Company.

Huntsman still serves on Ford’s board of directors and on the board of Chevron.