Visa names David Peacock to lead New Zealand & Pacific

Visa has appointed David Peacock as Country Manager for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands as it continues to reshape its leadership in Oceania.

Peacock steps into the role after leading Visa Consulting & Analytics across Oceania. He succeeds Anthony Watson, who has become Country Manager for Visa Thailand.

The appointment puts a former consulting leader in charge of Visa's day-to-day relationships with banks, merchants and other partners across New Zealand and a diverse range of Pacific Island markets. The region has seen rising adoption of electronic payments and other digital commerce services, lifting expectations for security, reliability and user experience.

Peacock described the role as an opportunity to keep pace with local market shifts while drawing on Visa's global footprint.

"New Zealand and the Pacific Islands are dynamic, diverse markets, and I'm excited to join the team as we continue working with our clients and partners to innovate and grow. What really sets Visa apart is how we bring global expertise together with deep local insight," said David Peacock, Country Manager for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Visa.

Visa describes New Zealand and the Pacific as markets where changing consumer behaviour, competitive pressure and broader shifts in commerce are pushing more transactions away from cash. Industry participants have also sharpened their focus on fraud controls and resilience as more commerce moves online and payments networks play a larger role in daily economic activity.

Market focus

In outlining the significance of the move, Visa pointed to digital adoption across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, and highlighted the role of electronic payments in financial inclusion and small business participation in the digital economy.

Peacock's remit includes client and partner engagement and work on strategic deals across the region. The role is also tied to developing "seamless and secure payment experiences" in local markets, as issuers and merchants continue to invest while consumers adopt contactless payments and mobile wallets.

Alan Machet, Group Country Manager for Visa Oceania, said Peacock's consulting background made him a strong fit for the role.

"I'm pleased to welcome David into this role. With his deep experience and proven leadership, he's well placed to build on the momentum of the New Zealand and Pacific Islands team and drive continued growth across these key markets," said Alan Machet, Group Country Manager for Visa Oceania.

"His appointment underscores Visa's long-term commitment to enabling digital commerce and supporting the region's expanding payments ecosystem."

Broader changes

The appointment follows another leadership move in New Zealand. Teresa Davis has taken up the role of Head of Client Engagement for New Zealand, returning after two years in Australia. She will continue working with clients and partners as the business expands.

Across the Pacific, Visa has been increasing on-the-ground coverage. In October 2025 it established a growing presence in Fiji, describing the move as a way to better support partners and strengthen collaboration in the Pacific Islands.

Competition in payments across Oceania has intensified as banks, technology firms and specialist payment companies expand into digital checkout, online billing and wallet-based payments. At the same time, governments and regulators have increased attention on payment-system resilience, consumer protection and fraud prevention. These trends have put more emphasis on local relationships, partner management and the ability to roll out services across markets with different infrastructure and regulatory requirements.

Peacock's previous role leading Visa Consulting & Analytics across Oceania gave him exposure to banks, merchants and public sector organisations that use Visa's network and services. Visa said he expanded the consulting practice during that period.

Visa operates in more than 200 countries and territories, providing payment technology that connects consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities. In New Zealand and the Pacific, it works with local banks that issue Visa cards and with merchants that accept Visa payments. The group also supplies risk tools and advisory services related to payment security and commerce strategy.

Peacock takes charge of the New Zealand and Pacific Islands portfolio as Visa continues to invest in regional coverage and as electronic payments take a larger share of everyday spending across the Pacific.