Mastercard has officially announced the appointment of Yunsok Chang as the new division president for Japan, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its footprint and enhancing payment solutions in the country. With his deep expertise and strong leadership background, Yunsok will lead Mastercard’s operations in Japan, with a focus on strengthening strategic partnerships, boosting brand visibility, and spearheading innovative payment solutions across the nation.
Yunsok Chang, who returns to this leadership role after serving as the division president from September 2020 to July 2022, brings with him a wealth of experience in Japan’s digital payment ecosystem. His earlier tenure allowed him to develop an in-depth understanding of the nuances of the country’s financial landscape, positioning him as a key driver for Mastercard’s future success in the region. This invaluable expertise will play a pivotal role as Mastercard continues to innovate and expand its offerings in Japan.
With over 30 years of experience in the financial services and payments industries, Yunsok Chang has built an impressive career, marked by leadership roles across several key regions. Prior to his return to Japan, he served as executive vice president for Market Development in Asia Pacific, based in Singapore, where he led initiatives aimed at enhancing Mastercard’s business development efforts in the region. His career also spans leadership positions in Korea, the United Kingdom, and at Mastercard’s global headquarters in New York and Singapore.
Chang’s tenure at Mastercard began 23 years ago as the Country Manager for Korea. Since then, he has led numerous significant business functions across the Asia Pacific region, leveraging his global experience to drive market growth and digital transformation across multiple markets.
Based in Tokyo, Yunsok will report to Ari Sarker, President of Asia Pacific, and will be responsible for overseeing all operations within Mastercard’s Japan division, ensuring continued success in a rapidly evolving market.
The announcement also highlights a shift in leadership for other regional markets. Dongchun Choi, who previously managed Mastercard’s operations across North-East Asia, will now assume the role of division president for Korea. Choi’s vast experience and strong industry relationships position him well to guide Mastercard’s growth and strategic direction in Korea.
“Japan is one of Mastercard’s most strategically significant markets. As we sharpen our focus on market-specific opportunities, Yunsok’s appointment reflects our commitment to deepening our presence and impact in Japan.” Ari Sarker, president, Asia Pacific said, “With a strong track record of scaling businesses, driving innovation, and placing customers at the core, his leadership will be pivotal in advancing Mastercard’s next phase of growth and reinforcing our reputation in this critical market.”
“I am excited to return to Japan and contribute to Mastercard’s continued innovation and meaningful partnerships in this dynamic market,” said Yunsok Chang, division president, Japan. “Having previously worked in Japan, I’ve strong appreciation for the country’s sophisticated consumer expectations, meticulous regulatory environment, and the pivotal role that trusted local partnerships play in advancing innovation. I look forward to collaborating with our customers, regulators, and government partners to accelerate the shift toward a more inclusive, secure, and digitally empowered payments ecosystem — together with Mastercard’s dedicated team in Japan.”
Meanwhile, Ken Uchiyama, the current Country Manager for Japan, will be leaving Mastercard to explore other opportunities, marking the end of his impactful tenure with the company.
With these leadership changes, Mastercard is poised to maintain its strong presence in the competitive payments sector, fostering further growth and digital transformation across Japan and beyond. Yunsok Chang’s return to Japan signals a new era for Mastercard’s innovative payment solutions, ensuring the company’s continued leadership in driving the future of payments in Asia.
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