Visa has appointed a new regional manager for Central Asia

Visa has appointed Salima Gutieva as Vice-President and Regional Manager for Central Asia. She will officially take up her post on 1 December 2026, succeeding Sanjar Suleimanov in this role. 

In her new role, Gutieva will be responsible for developing digital payments in the region, implementing technological solutions and expanding cooperation with banks and merchants. Her responsibilities will also include developing new opportunities for Visa cardholders.

Gutieva has been with Visa for over 20 years. During this time, she has held senior positions in business development and sales across the markets of Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Since 2022, she has led Visa’s business in the United Arab Emirates as Vice President and Regional Manager. There, she was responsible for market development, as well as liaising with clients and government partners.

In her role as Regional Manager for Central Asia, Gutieva has stated her intention to continue developing the payment infrastructure and implementing digital solutions in the region.

Visa thanked Sanjar Suleimanov for his work and contribution to the development of the digital economy in Central Asian countries. The company noted that the region remains one of its strategically important markets.