Yasemin Bedir

Yasemin Bedir has been appointed President of Mastercard's Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) region, effective September 1, 2026. The appointment expands her responsibilities across an 81-country market that includes some of the company's fastest-growing economies. In this UAE-based role, Bedir will oversee the strategy, direction and overall success of all aspects of Mastercard's operations across the region through its partnerships with retailers, fintechs, financial institutions, governments and businesses. Bedir also joins the company's Management Committee.

Career history

• Division President for Eastern Europe (2022-2026) — led the business through a complex geopolitical and regulatory environment for four years
• Executive Vice President for Community Institutions and Processors for North American Markets (2017-2022) — became the first female senior executive from Turkey to work in Mastercard USA
• General Manager of Turkey and Azerbaijan (2014-2017)
• Head of Sales for South-East Europe (2011-2014)
• Manager in retail banking services at HSBC, Garanti Bank, and Yapı Kredi in Turkey (pre-2007)

Bedir joined Mastercard in 2007 and served in several roles from marketing to product development through the years. She is among the Founders of the Professional Women Network (PWN) and leads many projects to help SMEs grow. Bedir is co-sponsoring the Women Leadership Network globally within Mastercard and serves as Vice President of the Board of the Woman in Technology Association.

Bedir is a passionate advocate for talent development and has fostered a culture grounded in accountability and collaboration. What Yasemin Bedir could bring to her expanded EEMEA role: Her two decades at Mastercard, combined with proven ability to navigate complex geopolitical and regulatory environments across emerging markets, positions her to drive strategic expansion across the 81-country region. Her demonstrated commitment to talent development and institutional leadership—particularly as the first Turkish female senior executive at Mastercard USA—suggests she will prioritize talent retention and regional growth initiatives while strengthening Mastercard's position in high-growth markets.