The Global Technology Partners, a processor of Visa prepaid debit cards in over 25 African countries, has named Richard Bialek as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Bialek succeeded GTP founder Robert Merrick, who is taking on a new role as the company’s Chairman.

“Rich was the unanimous choice for the CEO position,” said Mr. Merrick.  “His extensive experience in the payment industry, and his understanding of the African market, made him an ideal candidate to lead GTP as we grow our business and expand our portfolio of prepaid products and services in Africa.”

Mr. Bialek has over 30 years of executive level experience and success as CEO, GM and CMO for business units of Fortune 100 financial service companies focusing on new products, innovative payment technology and emerging global markets.  Rich has also been CEO and founder of two successful start-up companies and taken a lead role in over a dozen merger and acquisition transactions.

Prior to joining GTP, Rich was Head of Prepaid Products for Visa CEMEA based in Dubai UAE, where he was responsible for Prepaid Market and Product Development.  Rich recruited and developed a CEMEA leadership team that doubled payment volume and revenues annually during his tenure.  Visa achieved market share leadership based on development and implementation of innovative market-shaping travel, government, virtual card and youth programs in the CEMEA region.

Rich’s extensive experience in the payment industry includes senior-level positions managing credit card businesses at Neiman Marcus, GE Capital and Ameritech.  Rich also managed Consumer Credit Products for Visa International prior to the formation of Visa Inc. and held the post of Senior Vice President in charge of Strategic Research and Intelligence for Visa International.  More recently, he was CEO and co-founder of nekema (Kemper) providing small business insurance services, CEO of Global Card Solutions, a marketer of prepaid card programs, and founder/CEO of Bialek Group, a consulting firm providing venture capital, management consulting and prepaid assistance to a variety of clients. 

“He has a proven track record building successful prepaid programs, and working closely with Banks and Program Managers to create new business opportunities,” adds Mr. Merrick.  “The Board is confident he has the vision and passion to lead GTP through the next stage of our company’s growth.”

Mr. Bialek earned a BA in Economics from Harvard College and is a Harvard College National Scholar and Boyden Scholar.  He earned his MBA from the Harvard Business School and is a Harvard University National Fellow.