Savashan Naidoo
Payments Professional
Cape Town,WC
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented leader in payments and fintech, with over 20 years of international experience driving sales engineering, business development, and strategic partnerships across banking and fintech sectors. Recognized for consistently exceeding revenue targets, delivering innovative payment solutions, and optimizing acceptance strategies in diverse markets (North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa). Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, leveraging data-driven insights to increase approval rates and reduce fraud, and empowering organizations through upskilling and partnering. I am currently pursuing an MBA, with a strong foundation in business management and a passion for advancing digital payments and financial technology.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Sales Engineering – Acceptance Solutions Optimization
Visa Inc.
10.2024 - Current
- Manager in Acceptance Solutions Optimization Team across North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, CEMEA, and Europe.
- Partnered with merchants, acquirers, financial institutions, and fintech's to improve approval rates and reduce fraud.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to improve client performance and productivity.
- Analyzed data to identify trends and optimize resource allocation for projects.
- Established key performance indicators to measure success and drive continuous improvement.
- Conducted transaction pattern analysis and implemented performance-enhancing strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.
- Designed and delivered training programs for Visa Acceptance teams(Sales, Sales Engineering, Technical Account Managers).
- Enabled data-driven client performance reviews and actionable insights.
Acquirer Solutions Lead – CEMEA
Visa Inc.
11.2021 - 09.2024
- Developed strategic partnerships with financial institutions, acquirers, PSPs, and fintechs.
- Led market sizing, research, and landscape analysis to identify opportunities.
- Managed strategy development, program execution, and partner go-to-market support, driving business growth.
- Assist with creation on in country pricing as opposed to global pricing, resulting in improved deal closures and revenue increase.
- Oversaw migration project in CEMEA to new boarding platform, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless transition for end users.
- Built relationship with partners to ensure revenue goals were achieved.
- Demo of Partner Portal to partners and internal stakeholders.
Payment Advisor
Netcash (previously Sage Pay)
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Sold debit orders, salary payment solutions, websites, and payment gateway services.
- Identified and converted new business opportunities.
- Consistently exceeded sales targets and contributed to revenue growth.
- Mentored junior team members on best practices in payment processing.
- Exceeded Sales targets.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new payment solutions that catered to evolving client needs.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to align promotional strategies with business objectives.
- Delivered presentations at conferences and trade shows, showcasing products/services and generating leads.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive proposals for prospective clients.
- Established a robust pipeline of prospects through targeted networking events and strategic outreach efforts.
- Restructured pricing strategies based on market conditions, ensuring competitiveness while maintaining profitability.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
ISV Account Manager
Netcash (previously Sage Pay)
11.2018 - 09.2019
- Partnered with ISVs and fintechs to integrate Netcash products.
- Onboarded strategic partners and expanded market reach.
- Acted as subject matter expert and supported Go-To-Market strategies.
- Led strategic partnerships to enhance business growth and market reach.
- Managed cross-functional teams to execute joint initiatives successfully.
- Facilitated negotiations to secure mutually beneficial agreements with stakeholders.
- Monitored project performance and adjusted strategies to meet objectives.
- Cultivated relationships with key industry players to strengthen competitive positioning.
- Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance partner relations.
- Exceeded target of revenue and number of ISVs signed up.
Product Specialist – Pay Now
Sage
02.2017 - 10.2018
- Led GTM strategies for Pay Now product.
- Delivered training and collaborated with cross-functional teams.
- Implemented sales improvement plans and enhanced product performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive product improvements and streamline workflows.
- Analyzed customer feedback to optimize product offerings and enhance user experience.
- Assisted with demonstrations for Pay Now to showcase functionality.
- Generated reports to track performance and analyze trends.
- Conducted training sessions for sales and customer service teams, enhancing product knowledge and messaging.
Senior Account Executive
PayU
04.2015 - 12.2016
- Delivered payment gateway solutions to enterprise clients.
- Built pipeline and negotiated long-term partnerships.
- Exceeded performance targets and contributed to market penetration.
Senior Business Development Manager
Absa Bank
08.2010 - 03.2015
- Sold POS and payment gateway solutions to medium and enterprise clients.
- Identified new market opportunities to enhance business revenue and client engagement.
- Established and nurtured relationships with key stakeholders to drive partnership growth.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
- Identified and converted new business opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross functional teams, support, marketing, and technical teams for seamless implementation.
- Developed comprehensive business proposals to secure major contracts and client accounts.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving issues promptly and implementing feedback-driven improvements.
- Exceeded revenue target.
- Developed strong relationships with key clients, leading to long-term partnerships and increased loyalty.
- Increased sales revenue by strategically identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
- Exceeded annual sales targets consistently by cultivating a high-performance team culture focused on results.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity.
Education
MBA – Master of Business Administration -
University of South Africa
05.2026
BCom Honours - Business Management
University of South Africa
BCom - Business Management
University of South Africa
Skills
Strategic planning
Decision-making
Performance management
Time management
Business development
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Relationship building
Cross-functional teamwork
Verbal and written communication
Goal setting
Negotiation
Complex Problem-solving
Timeline
Manager, Sales Engineering – Acceptance Solutions Optimization
Visa Inc.
10.2024 - Current
Acquirer Solutions Lead – CEMEA
Visa Inc.
11.2021 - 09.2024
Payment Advisor
Netcash (previously Sage Pay)
10.2019 - 10.2021
ISV Account Manager
Netcash (previously Sage Pay)
11.2018 - 09.2019
Product Specialist – Pay Now
Sage
02.2017 - 10.2018
Senior Account Executive
PayU
04.2015 - 12.2016
Senior Business Development Manager
Absa Bank
08.2010 - 03.2015
BCom - Business Management
University of South Africa
MBA – Master of Business Administration -
University of South Africa
BCom Honours - Business Management
University of South Africa