Vice President of Strategic Sales, Europe

Great to Meet You! We are Ascenda

Ascenda powers the growth of leading financial services brands worldwide with premium rewards programs that differentiate their products, drive profitable customer behaviors, and create sustained engagement.

We are behind the world-class rewards propositions of major banks and fintechs around the globe, including brands like American Express, Capital One, Brex, Robinhood, Ramp, HSBC, Virgin Money (Australia), SMBC (Japan), ICBC (China), Bradesco (Brazil), ANZ (Australia), HDFC (India) and many others.

We are a thriving global fintech company, profitable and experiencing rapid expansion. Currently, we are seeking an individual to spearhead our growth in Europe. You will assume full responsibility for establishing and guiding the sales division for the region. Your role will involve cultivating and converting leads from our extensive pipeline of bank and fintech opportunities, while also identifying fresh targets poised to leverage our premium rewards offering.

Join our dynamic sales force as one of its earliest leaders, contributing to the development of our marketing and sales strategies as we strive for hyper-growth. Our team spans 20 cities worldwide, with dual headquarters in Singapore and the US, totaling 250 team members.

The Role: VP Strategic Sales, Europe

Ascenda is looking for an entrepreneurial VP Strategic Sales, Europe. You will lead the company’s European expansion across the broad financial services sector, ranging from traditional banks to buzzing challenger brands and fintechs.

This strategic role requires a seasoned financial services professional with a deep understanding of card issuing, loyalty marketing, and the economics of cards & retail banking. Consulting experience with a top-tier firm or the internal strategy function of a leading financial brand is a major asset, as this position requires a highly consultative approach to sales.

As VP Strategic Sales, Europe you will expand Ascenda’s client footprint by building deep, long-term partnerships with financial brands through a collaborative approach that enables prospects to design & deploy highly impactful rewards program propositions that fuel their growth.

It’s a unique and exciting opportunity to lead the industry into a new era where differentiation goes far beyond just good UX or low fees, and where premium rewards take the stage to deliver sustained, deeper engagement with outsized ROI.

Requirements

Your Impact

• Lead consultative sales efforts across the banking and fintech space, including neobanks, consumer card issuers, commercial card issuers & spend management solutions, alternative lenders, wallets, investment & wealth management apps, etc.

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to drive revenue growth and market penetration in Europe.

• Drive results by sourcing, nurturing and converting leads across the entire fintech space, including neobanks, consumer card issuers, commercial card issuers & spend management solutions, alternative lenders, wallets, investment & wealth management apps, etc.

• Collaborate closely with Product and Marketing teams to align sales strategies with product offerings and market needs.

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders at target companies, offering strategic insights and tailored solutions.

• Utilize your consulting background to understand client needs, develop business cases, and articulate value propositions effectively.

• Drive thought leadership initiatives, representing Ascenda at key industry events and forums.

Who You Are

• 15+ years of experience with significant time spent in retail financial services

• Deep understanding of card issuing, including economics and lifecycle marketing

• Expertise in premium rewards and loyalty programs, with track record of developing successful rewards propositions that drive acquisition, spend, and retention

• Strategy consulting experience (top-tier firm or in-house) is a key additional asset

• Track record of selling complex enterprise solutions to financial brands

• Strong alignment with Ascenda’s core values of growth mindset, hands-on ownership, supportive collaboration, and radical simplicity

• Strong leader with the ability to build high-performing sales teams

• Structured thinker who can craft and visualize simple, compelling narratives

Why Join Ascenda?

Ascenda offers the unique opportunity to lead in the fintech innovation space, shaping the future of rewards programs. You'll be part of an environment that prizes groundbreaking ideas and their execution. We provide unparalleled career growth opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment, complemented by a competitive compensation package that recognizes your impact.

Ascenda is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds. Join us on our mission to power the growth of the financial services industry by making loyalty simple and rewarding for everyone, everywhere.

Ready to Drive Innovation With Premium Rewards? Apply now to become the VP of Strategic Sales, Europe at Ascenda. Together, we'll redefine growth for financial services.