In his new role, Gajda is charged with running Visa's mobile strategy, working with the wireless and financial services industries to bring mobile payments and related services to people around the globe.

He joins the firm after seven years at the GSMA, which represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry, spanning 219 countries and uniting nearly 800 of the world's operators.

As chief commercial officer, Gajda was responsible for strategic initiatives including mobile money, mobile money transfer, advertising, strategic partnerships, innovation and business development. He also serves as president of the GSM Foundation, a position he will continue to maintain as head of mobile at Visa.

Before joining the GSMA, Gajda was head of marketing at Ericsson, and also held key positions at Bell Canada International and Telus.

Elizabeth Buse, global head, product, Visa, says: "Bill's experience in working with mobile network operators, handset manufacturers and other leaders in wireless, combined with his track record in helping to developing successful business models, will be a significant asset as Visa's aims to commercialize mobile financial services around the globe."

Visa has stepped up its assault on the mobile payments and banking sectors in the last couple of years, launching several commercial trials around the world. Last year it also took a 14.4% stake in Monitise after signing a $13 million partnership deal with the UK mobile banking outfit.