Vice President, Strategy, Governance & Oversight, and Operations

VP – Enterprise China Management, Strategy, Governance and Operations

American Express operates in mainland China through its joint venture, Express Company (EC), the first foreign payments network licensed to do so. This gives us a unique foothold in one of the world’s largest and fastest-evolving payments markets.

The Enterprise China Management (ECM) team sits at the center of this effort, working across Amex and EC to scale the network, expand acceptance, and deliver differentiated payment experiences for customers in China.

The VP role will be a key member of the ECM leadership team, with a broad mandate spanning strategy, governance, regulatory engagement, and business operations. This role partners across American Express and EC to shape and advance the China strategy and ensure effective governance in a complex and evolving environment.
 

• Lead the development and ongoing refinement of the China market strategy in partnership with Express Company, ensuring alignment with American Express enterprise priorities 

• Provide independent oversight and strategic guidance on JV plans, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities, and advising senior leadership and Board stakeholders 

• Oversee governance requirements associated with the JV structure, including Board and committee engagement, shareholder responsibilities, and alignment with Amex governance standards 

• Represent American Express in engagements with government and regulatory bodies, maintaining key external relationships and guiding navigation of an evolving regulatory landscape 

• Provide oversight across critical operational processes, including legal entity reporting, intercompany activities, network exception management, and partner oversight 

•  Ensure robust risk, compliance, and financial control frameworks across JV-related activities, including oversight of key enterprise initiatives and monitoring mechanisms 

• Identify and advance new business opportunities, partnerships, and capabilities to support growth in China, including opportunities beyond traditional issuer/acquirer models 

• Drive alignment and coordination across Amex and EC stakeholders, enabling effective decision-making and execution in a highly matrixed environment 

• Serve as a senior leader within ECM, contributing to team leadership, talent development, and organizational effectiveness

• Proven, tenured Vice President with a track record of leading enterprise-level strategy, governance, or business transformation initiatives within a large, global organization 

• Demonstrated ability to influence and advise senior executives and Board-level stakeholders on complex strategic, operational, and risk matters 

• Deep experience operating in highly matrixed environments, with the ability to drive alignment and outcomes without direct authority 

• Strong business judgment and strategic acumen, with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into actionable insights and decisions 

• Experience engaging with regulators, government entities, or operating in highly regulated industries; ability to navigate complex and evolving regulatory environments 

• Track record of managing large-scale, cross-functional initiatives spanning multiple disciplines (e.g., strategy, operations, risk, partnerships) 

• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish credibility across internal and external stakeholders, including joint venture partners 

• International experience required, experience in China or broader Asia highly preferred 

• Mandarin language skills a plus 

• Willingness to work across time zones and travel as needed

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the U.S is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.

As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.