Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kula has over 30 years of experience in financial services and FMCG. He is a veteran of the payments industry and successfully spearheaded changes and growth in the network business through solid partnerships with leading banks, financial institutions, merchants, airlines, and telcos.

Kula spent over 20 years with American Express. As Executive Vice President, Head of Global Network Services (GNS) in Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia (JAPA), Kula was instrumental in increasing the network business footprint in the region, spanning 30+ countries with 40+ partnerships. He
developed and led winning strategies to grow the network business in the region, including market entry into China and the transformational growth initiatives for Japan, Korea, and Australia. Under Kula’s leadership, GNS JAPA was one of the fastest growing business units in American Express, and the largest charge-volume contributor to the network business worldwide. GNS JAPA was also a key growth driver that helped American Express increase its market share in Asia.

Prior to American Express, Kula spent several years in the FMCG sector with Nestle in a marketing and sales capacity.

Kula has an MBA from London Business School.