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The rigors of navigating the dynamic global payments space demand ingenuity, foresight, and grit. George Maddaloni, the Chief Technology Officer, Operations at Mastercard embodies the essence of these leadership qualities heading up the Operations, Network, and Employee Digital Experience (ONE) division. With a visionary approach and a knack for transformative leadership, George has shepherded Mastercard through an era of unprecedented technological change and innovation. His achievements not only underscore his exceptional leadership but also Mastercard's commitment to excellence, security, and innovation.
Leading Mastercard's Operations, Network, and Employee Digital Experience (ONE) division of 2,200 professionals with a budget approaching $1 billion, George has been a driving force behind Mastercard's strategic initiatives to transform the payments industry. His leadership in ONE has been crucial in aligning technology initiatives with the company's strategic objectives, leading to significant operational advancements and enhancing Mastercard's efficiency and global scalability.
Under George's guidance, Mastercard has not only optimized its existing payments processing network but also pioneered the NextEdge payment network interface, significantly enhancing customer access to Mastercard's services. His leadership in launching a pioneering cloud-powered pilot for contactless payments with the Los Angeles FlyAway service demonstrates the tangible benefits of cloud commerce. This initiative not only enhanced consumer payment experiences but showcased operational efficiencies in real-time transaction processing. Further, under his guidance, the ONE team has revolutionized Mastercards network strategy and incorporating cloud connectivity and edge computing. As a result, Mastercard processed 1 billion transactions using cloud connectivity at the edge with its customers and launched Cloud Commerce for seamless contactless transactions, illustrating George's pivotal role in ensuring Mastercard's agility, security, and scale. These initiatives highlight how financial institutions can leverage cloud technology for competitive advantage, sustain industry leadership, and navigate the digital landscape with innovation.
Anticipating the challenges of cybersecurity, George directed the Quantum Security and Communications project, earning the 2023 US CIO 100 Award for the team's work in protecting Mastercard's digital transactions against future quantum computing threats. The successful pilot testing of quantum key distribution (QKD) over a dark fiber network, in collaboration with Toshiba and ID Quantique, underscores George's commitment to transaction security and customer trust in a post-quantum world, reinforcing Mastercard's position as a cybersecurity innovator.
George's leadership extends beyond technological innovation to encompass talent development and cultural transformation within Mastercard. The launch of Mastercard's Unlocked platform under his guidance leveraged AI marketplace which revolutionized talent development and engagement, by allowing employees to post and look for opportunities including short-term projects, mentorship and volunteering opportunities within Mastercard. The platform's success is evident in its metrics: 93% executive engagement, 75% workforce participation, and $21 million in savings, among others. Mastercard's designation as the Boundary Breaker of 2022 by Gloaties for its innovative Unlocked platform further highlights George's success in fostering a culture of open career growth and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
George is committed to supporting key causes around education, including supporting students in marginalized communities to consider careers in STEM. In 2023, he was elected to the Board of Directors of PowerMyLearning, an education nonprofit that works alongside educators to empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally using evidence based programs for school districts around the country.
Furthermore, George has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, integrating Mastercard's technology strategy with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. His focus on reducing emissions and advancing Mastercard's Net Zero pathway has positioned the company as a leader in sustainability, enhancing its reputation among customers and investors alike.
In 2023, George was appointed to Mastercard's Management Committee, a group of executives who lead Mastercard to innovate with purpose.
George's leadership has been characterized by a forward-looking approach to technology, a commitment to security and innovation, and a deep understanding of the importance of talent development and sustainability. Through his efforts, Mastercard has not only maintained its competitive edge in the payments industry but also set new standards for technological excellence/corporate responsibility.
Nomination Title: George Maddaloni, CTO, Operations
