Alfred F. Kelly, Jr.

Alfred F. Kelly Jr. is an American business executive who has held significant leadership positions in various organizations. Until February 2023, he served as the chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Visa Inc., a prominent global digital payments company. Kelly took on the role of CEO in October 2016, succeeding Charles W. Scharf. In April 2019, he was elected as the Chair of the Board while continuing to serve as Visa's CEO.

In addition to his role at Visa, Kelly is actively involved in several other organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors of Catalyst and holds the position of chair of the board of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. He also holds positions in multiple entities within the Archdiocese of New York and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of New York Presbyterian Hospital and Boston College, where four of his five children have graduated.

In 2020, Kelly was appointed as a guardian for the Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican, responding to Pope Francis' call to apply moral principles to business and investment practices.

Kelly's career spans several notable positions. Prior to joining Visa, he spent the majority of his career at American Express, where he held various senior roles, including President from July 2007 to April 2010. Before his tenure at American Express, Kelly served as the head of information systems at the White House and held positions in information systems and financial planning at PepsiCo Inc.

Kelly's contributions extend beyond the business realm. He has been recognized for his involvement in various organizations and initiatives, such as being a trustee of New York Presbyterian Hospital and Boston College. In 2016, he was honoured as a Knight in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great by Pope Francis.

Alfred F. Kelly Jr. holds a bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Science and a master's degree in Business Administration from Iona University.

Alfred F. Kelly Jr. is an American business executive known for his successful career in various industries. Born in 1958 in Bronxville, New York, he was raised in Crestwood, Yonkers. Kelly is the oldest of seven children. His father was a company CEO, and his grandfather, Raymond J. Kelly, was a prominent sports editor for The New York Times. Kelly is of Irish heritage, with roots in Cork, Ireland. 

Kelly attended Iona Preparatory School and graduated in 1976. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer and Information Science (Summa Cum Laude) in 1980 and an MBA with Honors in 1981 from Iona College.

Kelly's career began with positions in information systems and financial planning at PepsiCo Inc. from 1981 to 1985. In 1985, at the age of 27, he was appointed Head of Information Systems at the White House during President Ronald Reagan's re-election. He served in this capacity until 1987. Kelly then joined American Express, where he spent the majority of his early career, holding various senior positions over 23 years. He served as President of American Express from July 2007 to April 2010.

In 2011, Kelly temporarily left the corporate world to take on the role of President and CEO for the 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee, responsible for organizing Super Bowl XLVIII. During his tenure, the Host Committee supported various charitable efforts and community projects. Kelly also served as a management advisor to TowerBrook Capital Partners in 2015.

Prior to his role at Visa, Kelly was the President and CEO of Intersection, a technology and digital media company based in New York City and backed by Alphabet. He joined Visa in December 2016 as the Chief Executive Officer and was elected Chairman of the board in April 2019. In February 2023, he assumed the role of Executive Chairman.

As a seasoned business executive, he has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and driving success in various industries. Throughout his career, Kelly has shown a strategic and results-oriented approach to business, focusing on achieving organizational goals and delivering value to stakeholders.

During his tenure at American Express, Kelly held several senior positions, including President, where he played a vital role in shaping the company's growth and success. His experience in the financial services industry provided him with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of payments and digital transactions.

As the CEO of Visa, a global digital payments company, Kelly led the organization through a period of innovation and expansion. Under his leadership, Visa continued to advance its position in the market and embrace emerging technologies to enhance the payment experience for consumers and businesses alike.

Kelly's involvement in the Super Bowl XLVIII as President and CEO of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee showcased his ability to manage large-scale events and leverage them for community impact. The committee's support for charitable efforts and community projects highlighted Kelly's dedication to making a positive difference in the areas where he operates.

Additionally, Kelly's role as a management advisor and his involvement with various boards and foundations, such as Catalyst and the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, indicate his commitment to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and contributing to the betterment of society.