Hikmet Ersek

Hikmet Ersek is a business leader and financial services executive with more than three decades of experience in the cross-border payments industry. Ersek began his career in financial services at Europay/MasterCard in Austria, where he developed expertise in merchant and card-issuing services. He later joined General Electric Capital, representing GE Corporation as the national executive in Austria and Slovenia. This experience in European financial markets shaped Ersek’s international perspective and leadership approach.

Ersek joined Western Union as regional vice president for South Europe and later served as senior vice president for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, before becoming executive vice president. He was appointed president and chief executive officer of The Western Union Company, where he led the company for 11 years. During his tenure, Ersek expanded Western Union’s digital and mobile offerings, grew its portfolio into the B2B payments sector, enhanced its retail money transfer business, implemented new technology platforms, and upgraded global compliance programs.

Ersek has received recognition for his leadership in the financial technology and payments sector. He has been honored with The Opening Minds Corporate Leadership Award from the Institute of International Education, Corporate Responsibility Magazine's Responsible CEO of the Year Award, and was named Best FinTech CEO. He also received the Manager of the Year award from Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien and was recognized by Die Presse as Austrian of the Year. The Republic of Austria awarded him the Decoration of Honour in Silver for Services to the Republic of Austria. Ersek serves as the Honorary Austrian Consul for Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

In addition to his corporate roles, Ersek is known for his public engagement on issues such as migration, diversity, and global financial inclusion. Drawing on his international background, he addresses challenges faced by diverse communities worldwide. Ersek is a regular speaker at the World Economic Forum and the Clinton Global Initiative, and has served as a member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum and the Business Roundtable. His experience spans global finance, technology, and social impact, making him a relevant voice on leadership, globalization, and the future of payments.