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Chad Pollock
Chad S. Pollock is a seasoned executive currently serving as the Vice President and General Manager for Visa East Africa.12 He was appointed to this role in February 2024, taking over from Eva Ngigi-Sarwari.2 Prior to this position, Pollock served as Vice President, Head of Global Client Strategy & Operations at Visa, where he successfully led the development of business analytics and commercial operations for Visa's largest international clients.12
Pollock has a diverse background spanning finance, technology, and energy industries.1 He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Systems Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management.1 His career journey includes experience as a nuclear submarine officer, which has significantly influenced his leadership style.4
In January 2025, Pollock was featured in Business Monthly Magazine as CEO of the Year 2025, highlighting his leadership in the East African region.34 He is known for his human-centric leadership approach, focusing on teamwork, trust, and adaptability.4 At Visa East Africa, Pollock is committed to democratizing financial services and enabling financial inclusion, with a particular emphasis on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises and women-owned businesses.4
Pollock is also passionate about continuous learning and personal development. He has earned certificates in FinTech, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence to stay ahead of industry trends.4 Outside of work, he maintains a balanced lifestyle, engaging in activities such as scuba diving and flying airplanes as a hobby.4
Highlights
Visa began as one of the first Fintechs based on an idea once asked by Dee Hock (Visa’s Founder)… “What if money becomes fully electronic, so it would become nothing but electrons and photons moving around the world at the speed of light.”
The spirit of innovation, disruption, and digital-first have always been in our DNA, which is why we’re deeply invested in the acceleration and expansion of the Fintech space.
Since 2015, Visa has assisted >12,000 startups from 100+ countries to collectively raise more than $16B in funding, including many from Africa.
I’m incredibly proud to present the four remarkable start-ups from East Africa selected for Cohort 2 of the Visa Africa Accelerator Program which connects Africa's brightest minds with experienced mentors, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled investment opportunities.
Well done to Chapa from Ethiopia 🇪🇹, CheckUps from Kenya 🇰🇪, as well as Sarafu & Beem both from Tanzania 🇹🇿 on making it to the shortlist of 22 start-ups from across Africa. This is a testament to the innovation, tenacity, and potential that East Africa possesses in the tech and start-up space.
These trailblazing start-ups are not just creating innovative solutions; they are shaping the future of our region and beyond.
To the selected teams, congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. Let's continue to push boundaries and redefine the future of commerce together.
Eva Ngigi-Sarwari Yared Endale Salma Ingabire Eric Maina Bryan Wesonga
#VisaAfricaAccelerator #Startups #Innovation #EastAfrica #Visa

I had an incredible experience in Istanbul, Turkey at the Visa Payments Forum (CEMEA Edition) last week, where I was able to connect with amazing clients, partners, and colleagues.
Visa shared trends & insights, revealed new product launches, and discussed where the payments evolution is going. I left 🇹🇷 energized and excited for what's to come in East Africa and the larger CEMEA region.
I was particularly inspired by the women leaders I spent time with. Their strength, determination, and vision are testament to the power of women in driving growth and innovation within our industry.
Visa is committed to women empowerment and that’s why we support initiatives like “She's Next,” which provides grants to female entrepreneurs.
The “She's Next” Kenya 🇰🇪 competition is now open for applications (See link below) - this is a watershed moment to empower women, support their businesses, and contribute to the growth of the Kenyan economy - Please share this opportunity!
To all the women out there who are making a difference, please keep leading the way. Your courage, resilience, and creativity continue to inspire us - thank you.🦾
Aida Diarra Eva Ngigi-Sarwari Lineshree Moodley Tracey Dent Sandy Samaan Oluwatoyin (Toyin) Badeji Meagan Rabe Salome Makau Sophie KAFUTI Esther Masese Waititu Stephanie NG TSEUNG-YUE Felana Onintsoa Randrianirina Gisele Mwepu Faridah Nalubega Mercy Nderitu Maryann Wanjiku Michuki Linda Kameme, MBA, CRB NINA- CLAUDIA NDABANEZE Sabine Mensah Tracy Bolton Joanne Kubba Jeni Mundy Sophie Heymann Ksenia Levushkina to name a few of the many.
#Visa #CEMEAPaymentsForum #WomensEmpowerment #ShesNext #Africa
https://lnkd.in/dxRtvKkb

