Mastercard Exec Zahir Khoja Appointed Afterpay’s General Manager Of North America

Zahir Khoja has been named the general manager of North America for buy now, pay later (BNPL) company Afterpay, according to an announcement emailed to PYMNTS.

In his new position, Khoja will be tasked with important functions of the firm’s North America business, such as partnerships, business growth, client relationships and sales.

“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to join this business with such strong momentum, especially in North America. I look forward to building on its success with new, innovative customer and industry partnerships,” Khoja said in the announcement.

Khoja comes to Afterpay with over two decades of international experience heading up businesses, including developing sales workforces. In the past, he served as executive vice president of global merchant solutions and partnerships at Mastercard.

“[Khoja] has a wealth of experience and knowledge in building merchant relationships and solutions, as well as strong business leadership. I’m confident that his energy and passion will further accelerate our business growth in this important region,” Afterpay Co-CEO and Co-Founder Nick Molnar said in the announcement.

The news comes as Afterpay recently brought an office to Midtown Manhattan, which is in the vicinity of the Flatiron district. That office showcases a “modern design and layout” in addition to multiple office features that are appropriate for the firm’s “new flexible work policy,” according to the announcement.

As PYMNTS previously reported, Afterpay has selected San Francisco to be the location of its new North American headquarters. The office is located between the technology and retail hubs of the Financial District and Union Square.

“Afterpay’s new office and its location perfectly captures Afterpay’s business at the intersection of technology, finance, shopping and culture,” Molnar said in a previous announcement. “We are so thrilled to establish our North American headquarters in this great city and welcome our employees to this beautiful space which combines the city’s rich history with a modern and flexible work environment.”