Director, International Expansion role in the CEO Office of Airwallex, the AI-native financial operating system. The role leads Airwallex's expansion into new markets globally, owning a portfolio of market-entry initiatives end to end, from evaluating opportunities and defining entry strategies through licensing, product localisation, operational readiness, and commercial launch. The role reports to the CEO's Chief of Staff, leads a lean team, and works directly with senior executives.
Responsibilities
Lead global expansion strategy, evaluating and prioritising market opportunities and defining entry strategies; Own market entry end to end, from initial market assessment through regulatory authorisation, entity establishment, product readiness, and operational launch; Define regulatory and operating models with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Finance; Influence product and infrastructure strategy with Product and Engineering leadership; Lead a high-performing team and personally lead the most complex initiatives; Drive executive alignment and investment decisions with the CEO's Chief of Staff and senior executives; Build external relationships with regulators, financial institutions, payment networks, and advisers; Build a scalable expansion engine using repeatable frameworks, tools, and AI and automation; Drive broader CEO Office priorities beyond international expansion
Requirements
Intellectually curious, resilient, and hungry to win; Significant experience in strategy, international expansion, business operations, or related roles, ideally in fintech, payments, banking, or other high-growth technology businesses; Strong strategic and commercial judgment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, evaluate complex trade-offs, and translate big-picture thinking into practical execution; Demonstrated ability to lead teams and complex cross-functional initiatives, influence senior stakeholders, and drive outcomes in fast-paced environments; Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complexity, make sound decisions, and engage effectively with executive leadership; Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset with a strong sense of ownership and willingness to get into the details to make things happen
Nice to have
Proven track record of leading international market entries, including regulatory licensing, market-entry strategy, and operational launches; Experience in fintech, payments, or financial services, with an understanding of regulatory frameworks, financial infrastructure, and the interplay between licensing, product, and commercial strategy; Experience building and leading high-performing teams in high-growth, cross-functional environments
Wielka Brytania · London
