Russell E. Hogg, Former Mastercard President, Dies At 91

The former president and CEO of Mastercard International has died at the age of 91.

Russell E. Hogg held the position from 1980 to 1988 and was pivotal to the company. In 1987, he shepherded a partnership with 13 Bank of China subsidiaries for the first Mastercard in China.

He was also instrumental in introducing the company’s “global family of products,” which included the Travel Check, Smart Card, Gold Card and the Debit Card. The Gold Card was named the world’s best in 1987.

“After 91 years on earth, our hearts are heavy as we share the news of Russell E. Hogg’s passing. A true icon in American business, Russ changed the course of the credit card industry forever. He was forward-thinking, innovative and worked tirelessly to shape some of the greatest companies in the world,” the Hogg family said in a statement. “A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Russ was a man of integrity, strong moral values and compassion. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones.”

Hogg served on a number of corporate boards, including Mastercard International, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Reichhold Chemical and up-and-coming eCommerce companies like Revolution Money.

Before joining Mastercard, Hogg was a senior financial officer at American Airlines. He then went to work at American Express, where he had a senior leadership role with responsibilities for both international and U.S. operations. Hogg was also a group executive at Macmillan, where he was responsible for upwards of 50 subsidiary operations in more than 40 countries.

“Words cannot express the impact Russ had on the lives he touched. Outside of his business and entrepreneur endeavors, Russ was a dedicated philanthropist and worked to create opportunities that advanced creative thinking and innovation amongst today’s youth,” the family said. “Russ was a trailblazer who revolutionized the world around him. The values he instilled in our family will carry on for generations to come. We are blessed to have had our time with him and appreciate the outpouring of love and support at this time.”

When Hogg was a young man of 17, he served his country in the Navy during World War II. He went to the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and the University of Rhode Island, a school that awarded him with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1986.

After graduation, Hogg became a special agent with the FBI and held several supervisory positions. According to his biography, he was instrumental in the capture of a major Russian spy.

Hogg’s altruistic side was demonstrated by his participation on several philanthropic boards, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Hackley School. He has received numerous commendations and awards throughout his life.

Hogg married his wife Dorothy in 1969, who survives him along with his son Jason and his two grandchildren, FJ and Carter.

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