MasterCard Worldwide has appointed Carlos Menendez as group executive for global debit business, effective September 1, 2010.

Mr Menendez will have global responsibility for innovation, commercialization and development of go-to-market strategies for the portfolio of MasterCard debit products around the world, including Debit MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus brands.

Prior to joining MasterCard, Mr Menendez held a number of positions at Citigroup, where his career spanned over 14 years. Most recently he was chief operating officer for Western Europe, responsible for a full range of consumer banking products across four European countries.

Tim Murphy, chief product officer at MasterCard Worldwide, said: “We are excited to have Carlos join us in our mission to deliver innovative and compelling debit solutions to the global marketplace.

“Consumers continue to choose debit as their preferred method of payment and financial management, replacing cash in countries around the world. With extensive consumer banking experience spanning Europe, the Middle East and the Americas, Carlos will enhance our global perspective and lead MasterCard’s future debit growth.”