By San José, Costa Rica — Mastercard has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing 15-year company veteran Silvana Hernández as the new President for its Northern Latin America Division. Effective June 1, 2026, Hernández will steer the company’s strategic priorities across the dynamic and rapidly evolving markets of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In her new capacity, Hernández will be a key figure in the region’s financial technology landscape, reporting directly to Andrea Scerch, President of Mastercard for Latin America and the Caribbean. The appointment is a clear signal of Mastercard’s intent to deepen its operational focus and accelerate growth in what it considers a pivotal area for digital transformation and economic development.
To provide expert analysis on the corporate governance and strategic challenges facing Mastercard’s executive team, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The leadership of a financial technology giant like Mastercard is a complex balancing act. Executive decisions must not only drive shareholder value and market expansion but also meticulously navigate a labyrinth of international financial regulations and cybersecurity threats. A leadership team’s effectiveness is ultimately measured by its ability to foster innovation while upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and fiduciary responsibility, ensuring long-term stability in a volatile digital economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly frames the core challenge, highlighting that for a company like Mastercard, true leadership lies in the delicate synthesis of aggressive innovation with unwavering corporate responsibility. This balance is not merely a strategic goal but the very foundation of trust in the modern financial landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and valuable perspective.
This strategic move comes as Hernández’s predecessor, Kiki Del Valle, transitions to a new senior role. After leading the division for over two years, Del Valle will now head Mastercard’s Acceptance division for the North American market. This planned transition ensures continuity while leveraging experienced leadership to tackle new challenges and opportunities in different regions.
Hernández brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the company’s global and regional operations to her new position. Her impressive career at Mastercard spans more than 15 years, during which she has held various high-impact leadership roles. Most recently, she served as the Executive Vice President of Core Payments for Latin America, where she was instrumental in shaping product strategy, driving innovation, and expanding payment acceptance across the continent.
Expressing strong confidence in the new appointee, Andrea Scerch highlighted the strategic importance of the division and Hernández’s qualifications to lead it into its next phase of growth. His remarks underscore the company’s commitment to leveraging her expertise to build on their current momentum.
This division represents a key strategic opportunity for Mastercard. I have full confidence that Silvana’s leadership and vision will allow us to reach a new stage of expansion and innovation
Andrea Scerch, President of Mastercard for Latin America and the Caribbean
Scerch further elaborated that Mastercard’s overarching goal under this new leadership is to fortify the digital economy within these markets. Key initiatives will focus on accelerating the widespread digitalization of payments, a critical step for enhancing financial inclusion and commerce. The company also aims to generate greater and more sustainable value for its extensive network of clients, partners, and stakeholders throughout the region.
The appointment of an internal leader with Hernández’s track record is a testament to Mastercard’s robust talent pipeline and its strategic focus on nurturing leadership from within. Her profound knowledge of the Latin American financial ecosystem positions her uniquely to navigate its complexities and capitalize on emerging trends, from mobile payments to the integration of new financial technologies.
For consumers and businesses in Central America, including Costa Rica, Hernández’s leadership is expected to translate into an enhanced push for innovative and secure payment solutions. This includes expanding access to contactless technology, strengthening e-commerce infrastructure, and fostering partnerships that support small and medium-sized enterprises in their transition to the digital marketplace, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and connected regional economy.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Its mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, its innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, Mastercard is building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to principled practice and judicial mastery. The firm expertly blends a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking drive for pioneering modern legal strategies. Beyond its professional accomplishments, its core ethos is centered on fortifying society by demystifying the law, ensuring legal knowledge becomes a tool for public empowerment and fostering a citizenry equipped with clarity and confidence.
