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SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercard today announced a leadership transition in its Asia Pacific region, with Ari Sarker set to step down from his role as President, Asia Pacific at the end of 2025. After more than a decade in the role, Ari will move into an advisory position, where he will focus on strategic initiatives and mentoring regional leadership to support a smooth transition.
Ari has been instrumental in Mastercard's growth across Asia Pacific, driving expansion, strengthening partnerships, and fostering a collaborative culture. His leadership has made a lasting impact on both the business and its people.
"Ari's influence across the region has been profound," said Ling Hai, President, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard. "He's championed innovation and inclusion, and built deep relationships with governments, fintechs, and enterprises. We're grateful for his contributions and pleased he'll continue to support the business in an advisory role."
Effective January 1, 2026, Richard Wormald (Rich), currently Division President, Australasia, will succeed Ari as President, Asia Pacific. Rich brings deep regional experience and a strong track record of leadership, having led Mastercard's business in Australasia with a focus on performance, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
Reflecting on the transition, Ari Sarker said, "It's been an incredible journey leading Mastercard in Asia Pacific. I'm proud of what we've built together and grateful to the teams, partners, and customers who've made it all possible. Rich is a trusted colleague and a thoughtful leader - I'm confident he'll continue to move the business forward with purpose and care."
Rich added, "I'm honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Ari has created. Asia Pacific is a dynamic and diverse region, and I look forward to working with our teams and partners to keep growing and delivering meaningful impact."
To support a smooth transition, Ari and Rich will work closely together over the coming months, engaging with stakeholders across markets through joint appearances and shared communications.
Mastercard also announced that Paul Monnington will join the company in January 2026 as Division President, Australasia, succeeding Rich. Paul brings extensive experience in retail payments and fintech innovation, having led Woolworths' Wpay business and held senior roles at Woolworths Group and National Australia Bank (NAB).
"I'm excited to be joining Mastercard at such a pivotal time," said Monnington. "The company's focus on innovation, inclusion, and customer partnership really resonates with me, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success in Australasia."
Monnington will report to Rich and will be a part of the Mastercard Asia Pacific Leadership Team. As Division President, Australasia, Paul will oversee markets including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
This transition reflects Mastercard's continued investment in strong, values-driven leadership and its commitment to shaping the future of commerce in Asia Pacific. With a bench of experienced leaders and a clear vision for what's next, Mastercard is well-positioned to accelerate innovation, deepen partnerships, and unlock new opportunities across one of the world's most dynamic and diverse regions.
To hear directly from the executives, watch the premiere episode of Mastercard's In the Loop news series here: mstr.cd/4fU2pYt.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercard today announced a leadership transition in its Asia Pacific region, with Ari Sarker set to step down from his role as President, Asia Pacific at the end of 2025. After more than a decade in the role, Ari will move into an advisory position, where he will focus on strategic initiatives and mentoring regional leadership to support a smooth transition.
Ari has been instrumental in Mastercard's growth across Asia Pacific, driving expansion, strengthening partnerships, and fostering a collaborative culture. His leadership has made a lasting impact on both the business and its people.
"Ari's influence across the region has been profound," said Ling Hai, President, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard. "He's championed innovation and inclusion, and built deep relationships with governments, fintechs, and enterprises. We're grateful for his contributions and pleased he'll continue to support the business in an advisory role."
Effective January 1, 2026, Richard Wormald (Rich), currently Division President, Australasia, will succeed Ari as President, Asia Pacific. Rich brings deep regional experience and a strong track record of leadership, having led Mastercard's business in Australasia with a focus on performance, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
Reflecting on the transition, Ari Sarker said, "It's been an incredible journey leading Mastercard in Asia Pacific. I'm proud of what we've built together and grateful to the teams, partners, and customers who've made it all possible. Rich is a trusted colleague and a thoughtful leader - I'm confident he'll continue to move the business forward with purpose and care."
Rich added, "I'm honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Ari has created. Asia Pacific is a dynamic and diverse region, and I look forward to working with our teams and partners to keep growing and delivering meaningful impact."
To support a smooth transition, Ari and Rich will work closely together over the coming months, engaging with stakeholders across markets through joint appearances and shared communications.
Mastercard also announced that Paul Monnington will join the company in January 2026 as Division President, Australasia, succeeding Rich. Paul brings extensive experience in retail payments and fintech innovation, having led Woolworths' Wpay business and held senior roles at Woolworths Group and National Australia Bank (NAB).
"I'm excited to be joining Mastercard at such a pivotal time," said Monnington. "The company's focus on innovation, inclusion, and customer partnership really resonates with me, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success in Australasia."
Monnington will report to Rich and will be a part of the Mastercard Asia Pacific Leadership Team. As Division President, Australasia, Paul will oversee markets including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
This transition reflects Mastercard's continued investment in strong, values-driven leadership and its commitment to shaping the future of commerce in Asia Pacific. With a bench of experienced leaders and a clear vision for what's next, Mastercard is well-positioned to accelerate innovation, deepen partnerships, and unlock new opportunities across one of the world's most dynamic and diverse regions.
To hear directly from the executives, watch the premiere episode of Mastercard's In the Loop news series here: mstr.cd/4fU2pYt.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Mastercard Announces Leadership Transition in Asia Pacific
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SINGAPORE, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has released its 2026 Supplements Taste Charts for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, highlighting the region's evolving taste preferences and the rise of flavour‑forward, lifestyle‑led supplements and sports nutrition.
Across Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), supplements are increasingly viewed as part of daily wellbeing rather than an occasional health support. Consumers are focused on benefits such as sleep, immunity, digestion, stress management, energy and emotional balance, with taste and texture now strongly influencing continued purchase and long term use.
The global supplements market is projected to reach US$107 billion by 2029 with APMEA continuing to show strong momentum. China, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are driving adoption, supported by rising health awareness, busier lifestyles and growing interest in personalised nutrition.
Flavour‑Forward Trends Redefining Supplements
Consumers are moving away from traditional pills toward more flavour-forward formats such as gummies, chews, drink mixes, dissolving strips and powder blends. Here, flavour plays a critical role in masking functional bitterness, reinforcing emotional cues and signalling naturality or efficacy. Three major flavour movements stand out across Asia Pacific and the Middle East:
Simplicity Amplified
Consumers are gravitating toward transparency and ingredient authenticity. Flavours inspired by whole foods, botanicals, fermented notes, and lightly‑sweet or sour profiles signal purity and nutrient‑dense simplicity. Popular flavours include citrus, yuzu, ginger, turmeric, matcha, elderflower, cultured dairy, and yogurt. These pair naturally with today's lifestyle-friendly formats where the flavours enhance a product's perceived health benefits.
Category Crashers
As mealtimes blur and routines shift, consumers aren't sticking to traditional food, beverage, or supplement boundaries. Category Crashers spotlights the emergence of hybrid products that break the mould: savoury energy bars, confectionery-inspired supplement formats, coffee‑infused condiments and more. These hybrids are about creative formats and unexpected pairings that reflect how people eat today.
Maximalist Flavour
Maximalism takes centre stage in 2026, spurred by younger consumers who want bold, layered flavours that deliver high sensory impact. Dessert‑style profiles, sour intensities, spicy‑accented formats, and flavour stacks such as tiramisu passionfruit or brownie chocolate create memorable, intense taste experiences. This trend reinforces supplements as lifestyle treats rather than functional obligations.
Within these trends, sports nutrition continues to broaden beyond athletes to active consumers who expect flavour to match function. Simplicity Amplified is seen in refreshing citrus hydration blends, botanically‑infused recovery options, and natural dairy flavours in high‑protein systems; Category Crashers bring café‑style profiles, soda‑inspired electrolytes and fruity energy shots; and Maximalist Flavour is evident in extreme sour or spicy pre‑workouts, and multi‑layered profiles in protein shakes.
"Consumers across APMEA are demanding more from their proactive health products, not only clinically supported benefits, but also flavours that excite," said Olivier De Salmiech, Vice President, Health & Therapies, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. "When products taste great, has science-backed benefits, and integrate naturally into everyday life, they become wellness rituals consumers look forward to."
SINGAPORE, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has released its 2026 Supplements Taste Charts for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, highlighting the region's evolving taste preferences and the rise of flavour‑forward, lifestyle‑led supplements and sports nutrition.
Across Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), supplements are increasingly viewed as part of daily wellbeing rather than an occasional health support. Consumers are focused on benefits such as sleep, immunity, digestion, stress management, energy and emotional balance, with taste and texture now strongly influencing continued purchase and long term use.
The global supplements market is projected to reach US$107 billion by 2029 with APMEA continuing to show strong momentum. China, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are driving adoption, supported by rising health awareness, busier lifestyles and growing interest in personalised nutrition.
Flavour‑Forward Trends Redefining Supplements
Consumers are moving away from traditional pills toward more flavour-forward formats such as gummies, chews, drink mixes, dissolving strips and powder blends. Here, flavour plays a critical role in masking functional bitterness, reinforcing emotional cues and signalling naturality or efficacy. Three major flavour movements stand out across Asia Pacific and the Middle East:
Simplicity Amplified
Consumers are gravitating toward transparency and ingredient authenticity. Flavours inspired by whole foods, botanicals, fermented notes, and lightly‑sweet or sour profiles signal purity and nutrient‑dense simplicity. Popular flavours include citrus, yuzu, ginger, turmeric, matcha, elderflower, cultured dairy, and yogurt. These pair naturally with today's lifestyle-friendly formats where the flavours enhance a product's perceived health benefits.
Category Crashers
As mealtimes blur and routines shift, consumers aren't sticking to traditional food, beverage, or supplement boundaries. Category Crashers spotlights the emergence of hybrid products that break the mould: savoury energy bars, confectionery-inspired supplement formats, coffee‑infused condiments and more. These hybrids are about creative formats and unexpected pairings that reflect how people eat today.
Maximalist Flavour
Maximalism takes centre stage in 2026, spurred by younger consumers who want bold, layered flavours that deliver high sensory impact. Dessert‑style profiles, sour intensities, spicy‑accented formats, and flavour stacks such as tiramisu passionfruit or brownie chocolate create memorable, intense taste experiences. This trend reinforces supplements as lifestyle treats rather than functional obligations.
Within these trends, sports nutrition continues to broaden beyond athletes to active consumers who expect flavour to match function. Simplicity Amplified is seen in refreshing citrus hydration blends, botanically‑infused recovery options, and natural dairy flavours in high‑protein systems; Category Crashers bring café‑style profiles, soda‑inspired electrolytes and fruity energy shots; and Maximalist Flavour is evident in extreme sour or spicy pre‑workouts, and multi‑layered profiles in protein shakes.
"Consumers across APMEA are demanding more from their proactive health products, not only clinically supported benefits, but also flavours that excite," said Olivier De Salmiech, Vice President, Health & Therapies, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. "When products taste great, has science-backed benefits, and integrate naturally into everyday life, they become wellness rituals consumers look forward to."
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Kerry Launches 2026 Supplements Taste Charts: Defining the Next Era of Flavour in Supplements and Sports Nutrition
