Vice President of Data Architecture

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build 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.

Title and Summary

Vice President of Data Architecture

Overview:
Mastercard’s Data & Analytics organization is undergoing a bold transformation to modernize our global data ecosystem—unlocking value through secure, scalable, and compliant data capabilities. As we build the next generation of data platforms, we are seeking a visionary and results-oriented Vice President of Data Architecture to lead the transformation of Mastercard’s enterprise data landscape.
This is a foundational leadership role responsible for defining how data is collected, organized, governed, and distributed across Mastercard’s global infrastructure. Reporting to the EVP of Data & Analytics, this leader will shape architectural frameworks and standards that drive product innovation, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance across a hybrid cloud environment.

Role:
Data Architecture Strategy & Execution
• Lead the design and execution of Mastercard’s enterprise data architecture strategy across a complex, global ecosystem.
• Drive modernization from legacy and on-prem systems to modern, cloud-native and hybrid data platforms.
• Architect scalable and secure data solutions that meet evolving regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 20022, data localization, GDPR).
• Create reusable, domain-oriented data models that promote consistency, interoperability, and self-service across business units.
• Define and implement architectural patterns supporting both real-time and batch data processing across relational and non-relational systems.
• Lead adoption of modern data principles including Data Mesh, data products, and federated governance.
Governance, Alignment & Agile Integration
• Chair the Data & Analytics Architecture Review Board to ensure alignment across programs and domains.
• Collaborate with Mastercard’s Architecture, Security, and Engineering organizations to embed data architecture into enterprise-wide standards.
• Apply Agile methodologies and practices to data architecture initiatives, enabling iterative delivery, rapid feedback, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Represent the Data & Analytics function in enterprise architecture councils, steering committees, and executive planning forums.
Cross-Functional Leadership & People Development
• Lead and scale a high-performing team of data architects and technical experts with deep experience in distributed systems, cloud platforms, and data modeling.
• Mentor and develop talent across various levels while fostering a culture of architectural excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior business, product, and engineering leaders—bridging technical strategy with enterprise priorities.
• Build relationships and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including C-suite executives, to influence data-driven strategies and decision-making.

All About You:
• Prior leadership experience in Director or Vice President roles overseeing enterprise data architecture, data engineering, or data platform strategy.
• Deep expertise in building and modernizing distributed data platforms using technologies such as Apache Spark, Kafka, Flink, NiFi, and Cloudera/Hadoop.
• Hands-on proficiency with modern data platforms and tools including Databricks, Snowflake, Delta Lake, and Redshift.
• Proven experience designing and operating real-time and batch data pipelines in hybrid and cloud-native environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Understanding of Data Mesh principles, federated governance, and data product lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated experience working in Agile environments, leveraging modern delivery practices like scrum, SAFe, or product-centric models.
• Proven success leading large-scale data transformations and platform modernization initiatives in highly regulated industries such as Payments, Fintech, or Banking.
• Deep understanding of card data flows, merchant ecosystems, and frameworks including ISO 20022 and data localization mandates.
• Proven track record of driving organizational change, platform migrations, and enterprise-wide architecture adoption.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to translate complex architecture concepts in