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Kunal Choitram
Stripe - Global Partnerships - Ex-Visa - Ex-Citi
Professional Background
Kunal Choitram is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the payments ecosystem, having honed his expertise in various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a career spanning numerous leadership roles at top-tier organizations in the financial sector, Kunal has developed a deep understanding of acquiring, payment gateways, card schemes, and processing. His expertise is particularly invaluable in the fast-evolving landscape of digital payments, where he has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth.
Currently, Kunal is instrumental in facilitating global partnerships and spearheading regional expansion initiatives at Stripe, one of the leading technology companies in the field of online payment processing. His role at Stripe focuses on the Middle Eastern and African expansion efforts, where he is actively engaged in identifying new opportunities, forging strategic alliances, and delivering tailored solutions for clients in diverse industries.
Kunal's previous roles at Visa further underscore his extensive experience and commitment to advancing payment solutions. He served as the Senior Director and Head of Visa Direct Sales for the CEMEA region, where he was responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhanced Visa's presence and effectiveness in the direct payment space. His tenure at Visa also included key positions such as Director of Merchant Sales and Acquiring in the Middle East and Senior Manager for Business Development in Southern Europe, showcasing his ability to navigate complex market environments while driving impressive sales growth.
Before his extensive experience at Visa, Kunal played a vital role as the Manager of Network Processing Sales in Northern Europe and held the position of International Corporate Sales Manager at Citi. His diverse background in corporate sales management and business development equips him with a robust skill set that is highly valued in today's fast-paced financial markets.
Education and Achievements
Kunal Choitram's academic journey laid a strong foundation for his impressive career in economics and finance. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics (Honors) from University College London (UCL), one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, renowned for its rigorous academic programs and innovative research initiatives. His time at UCL enriched his understanding of economic principles and prepared him to tackle complex challenges within the financial landscape.
Prior to his studies at UCL, Kunal completed his secondary education at Dubai College, a well-respected institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. This early education provided him with essential skills and a global perspective that have proven beneficial throughout his career trajectory.
Significant Contributions
Kunal Choitram is not just a leader in understanding payments systems but is also excited about the future of money movement and cryptocurrency. He frequently shares insights on the transformative potential of digital currencies, advocating for innovative payment solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers and businesses alike. His excitement for cryptocurrency positions him at the forefront of discussions surrounding the integration of traditional finance with emerging technologies.
Always approachable and enthusiastic about engaging with others, Kunal welcomes conversations about new ideas and trends within the financial technology sector. His commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing reflects his belief in the power of partnership to drive innovation and create value in the marketplace.
Kunal’s breadth of experience in sales and business development, coupled with his passion for progressive financial solutions, positions him as a thought leader in the payments industry.
Conclusion
With a dynamic career that traverses leading financial institutions and transformative technology companies, Kunal Choitram stands out as a prominent figure in the payments industry. His expertise in acquiring, gateways, card schemes, and processing across multiple regions establishes him as a vital resource in the rapidly changing domain of payment systems. Furthermore, his ongoing exploration of cryptocurrency exemplifies his forward-thinking approach and adaptability to new trends, making him a valuable connection for anyone interested in the future of finance.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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