Job DescriptionAs the VP of Global Lounge Strategy, you will lead the development and execution of Visa's lounge strategy for affluent cardholders, driving differentiation and improved economics across our largest cardholder benefit category. You will own the end-to-end lounge strategy - from assessing the global lounge landscape and evaluating customer needs, to establishing partnership models, sourcing strategies, and branded lounge experiences. This role requires a strategic leader who can work cross-functionally with product, client services, consumer insights, strategy, and regional teams to future-proof Visa's lounge offering and transform it from an undifferentiated access benefit into a premium, branded cardholder experience.
Lounge access represents Visa's single largest affluent benefit expense, with spend projected to reach $1.7B by 2030 under the current model. The VP of Global Lounge Strategy will lead the execution of a three-pronged approach: (1) building branded Visa lounges for top-tier cardholders globally, (2) sourcing non-branded lounges directly through operators to improve economics, and (3) managing long-tail lounge access through aggregator relationships via a new global RFP. This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on Visa's competitive positioning in the affluent segment and significant P&L implications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and evolve Visa's overarching global lounge strategy, including branded lounge buildout, direct operator sourcing, and aggregator relationship management, ensuring alignment with Visa's affluent segment value proposition and Visa 2030 aspirations.
- Lead the strategic assessment of the global lounge ecosystem, including Priority Pass, airline-owned lounges, premium competitors, and emerging lounge models, to identify opportunities for Visa to strengthen differentiation and improve economics.
- Drive the design and execution of the branded lounge program, overseeing the buildout of approximately 40 Visa-branded lounges for Infinite and Infinite Privilege cardholders across key global airports.
- Lead direct sourcing negotiations with scaled global, regional, and local lounge operators to reduce reliance on aggregators (Collinson, Dragonpass) and eliminate intermediary margin structures.
- Manage the global RFP process for long-tail lounge access through existing aggregator partnerships, ensuring competitive pricing and optimal network coverage.
- Synthesize affluent customer insights - including needs, preferences, and usage behaviors - to define the target cardholder experience and inform investment priorities.
- Build and present business cases, including financial modeling and prioritization frameworks, to inform investment decisions and secure executive alignment.
- Develop and maintain a phased roadmap with near-term pilots and longer-term strategic initiatives, ensuring clear milestones and accountability.
- Lead regular performance management cadences, including business reviews and internal communications, to drive clarity and accountability across the lounge portfolio.
- Partner cross-functionally with product, client services, consumer insights, strategy, finance, legal, and regional teams to deliver results and drive initiatives to completion.
- Build a strong team culture, ensuring high team performance and satisfaction, and inspire both direct reports and stakeholders across the organization.
Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.
QualificationsBasic Qualifications- 12 years of work experience with a bachelor's degree or at least 10 years of experience with an Advanced degree (e.g., Masters/MBA/JD/MD) or at least 8 years of work experience with a PhD
Preferred Qualifications- 15+ years' progressive experience in travel, hospitality, loyalty, payments, financial services, or consumer products, with at least 7 years in a senior strategy or business leadership role.
- Deep knowledge of the global lounge and airport hospitality ecosystem, including aggregator models (Collinson/Priority Pass, Dragonpass/LoungeKey), airline-operated lounges, and independent lounge operators.
- Strong product and commercial acumen; experience building or managing premium consumer experiences, branded environments, or partnership-driven benefit programs.
- Proven experience in complex vendor/partner negotiations, sourcing strategy, and managing large-scale commercial relationships.
- Track record of developing and executing multi-year strategies with significant P&L impact ($100M+).
- Skilled at thought leadership and making data-informed decisions to create new strategies; ability to distill complex market dynamics into clear, actionable frameworks.
- Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills at the executive level, including experience presenting to C-suite audiences.
- Proven people leader with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.
- Strategic and analytic skills, with the capability to clearly communicate a vision to clients, executives, and their team, using data and insights to drive decision-making.
- Experience working across a global, matrixed organization (functions & geographies) to drive positive outcomes.
- Dedicated team player, self-motivated with the ability to inspire and influence others across Visa.
- Ability to build off others' ideas, give credit to others but take responsibility when things go poorly. Share work product to help others succeed.
This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.
Information for US Applicants :For roles located in the US, the estimated salary range for this position is $242,200 to $423,700 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.
Work HoursVaries upon the needs of the department.
Travel RequirementsThis position requires travel 5-10% of the time.
Mental/Physical RequirementsThis position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.
