The Payments Association appoints new advisory board chair

The Payments Association has appointed Neil Harris as the chair of its advisory board, to succeed Marion King who held the role for two years and is now chair and trustee of Open Banking Limited.

Harris, who is the chief executive officer of b.yond digital, will be responsible for guiding the direction of the association and promoting its vision to ensure a competitive and innovative payments market.

Nathalie Oestmann, the chief operating officer of Outlier Ventures, has also been named as vice chair of the advisory board.

She has previously worked in senior roles at financial institutions, including American Express, Curve and Samsung Pay.

The Payments Association’s Nathalie Oestmann and Neil Harris

Tony Craddock, director general of the Payments Association, said: “A community is only as strong as its leaders – they are the bedrock upon which our organisation stands, and we are confident these appointments will only serve to make The Payments Association a more effective community for all our members.

“I know that Neil and Nathalie will continue to add strength and depth to the community’s leadership team.”

The UK-based organisation brings together stakeholders to facilitate discussion and provide strategic guidance for banks, payment service providers, fintech companies and regulators.

“As leaders in the payments industry, I am honoured to accept the chair of advisory board of the Payment Association, where we continue to shape an inclusive, diverse, competitive and innovative marketplace,” said Harris.

“I’m hugely proud that our industry provides convenient, inclusive and affordable access for better outcomes for all.”

He thanked outgoing chair Marion King “for her leadership and contribution, and with whom I enjoyed working as deputy chair over the last two years”.

Oestmann added: “Through The Payments Association, our community and advisory board, we have a unique opportunity to build upon the considerable progress and collaboration between industry, government and regulators to support this exciting sector, and I am proud of the work of The Payments Association as a bridge to achieve this.”