There’s a quiet buzz in the financial technology world these days, and it’s centered around Mastercard. The company recently announced the appointment of Janet George as Executive Vice President of Artificial Intelligence, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to integrating AI across its operations and future offerings.
“The opportunity to leverage AI and data-driven insights to drive innovation and create value for Mastercard’s customers is incredibly exciting,” said Greg Ulrich, Mastercard’s chief AI and data officer. “Janet’s leadership and expertise, combined with her commitment to innovation, trust and responsibility, position her well in this exciting new role.”
George’s career trajectory reads like a roadmap of the AI revolution. From her early days at companies like Yahoo and Accenture, where she honed her skills in machine learning and cognitive computing, to her leadership roles at industry giants like Intel and Oracle, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.
George is more than just a technologist; she’s a builder and a transformer. At Western Digital, she spearheaded an AI transformation in the manufacturing sector, demonstrating her ability to apply cutting-edge technology to real-world operational challenges. She has a proven track record of leading large-scale AI initiatives, building high-performing global teams, and driving significant revenue growth sometimes exceeding $10 billion through strategic AI implementation.
George’s expertise extends beyond technical know-how. She is adept at navigating the complexities of large organizations, having managed budgets exceeding $5 billion and driven cost efficiencies through the simplification of complex technology stacks. Her experience in P&L management, including directing P&L responsibilities ranging from $1 billion to $30 billion, showcases her business acumen and ability to align AI initiatives with strategic financial goals.
Furthermore, her involvement in shaping a global AI alliance with Microsoft, valued at up to $1 billion, and leading the acquisition and integration of a $600 million cloud efficiencies company, highlights her strategic thinking and ability to execute complex initiatives. Her current board positions at NanoStrings and Gandeeva Therapeutics provide further evidence of her leadership capabilities and commitment to innovation across different sectors.
In her new role at Mastercard, George will lead the company’s AI Center of Excellence, focusing on critical AI and data science initiatives. She will be responsible for developing and enhancing AI technologies to create more secure, personalized, and efficient payment experiences for Mastercard’s customers.
Her vision extends beyond immediate applications, encompassing the development of the technology, tooling, and infrastructure that will support Mastercard’s data scientists and AI talent, nurturing an environment of innovation and collaboration. Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that Mastercard remains at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in the financial industry.
“It’s clear that AI and data are not just tools – they are foundations of our future,” George shared. “I look forward to collaborating with this talented team to push the boundaries of what’s possible and to contribute to Mastercard’s mission of connecting and powering the digital economy.”
George’s appointment has generated considerable interest within the industry. Renowned for her impressive record in driving AI transformations and her comprehensive understanding of the tech landscape, she has ignited a sense of excitement about the future. Mastercard’s bold decision to welcome George onto their team signals a powerful commitment to embracing an AI-driven future, and many are eager to see how her leadership will shape the company’s innovation journey.
