#USA #New York #Ascenda #Jan Wilken #loyalty solutions

Ascenda Welcomes Jan Wilken as Chief Product Officer

In a significant move for the loyalty-as-a-service sector, Ascenda has officially appointed Jan Wilken as its new Chief Product Officer. With over twenty years of experience in product and commercial leadership, Wilken aims to spearhead a shift in the loyalty ecosystem strategy, focusing on enhancing customer engagement solutions and expanding rewards propositions aimed at driving sustainable growth for both financial institutions and merchants worldwide.

Kyle Armstrong, CEO of Ascenda, expressed enthusiasm about Wilken’s appointment, highlighting his extensive background and proven success in establishing strong loyalty and customer engagement strategies. Armstrong stated, “Jan brings to Ascenda a powerful combination of industry expertise, strategic vision, and an unparalleled track record of building highly successful loyalty and customer engagement propositions. Through Jan's leadership, we will accelerate our ability to deliver the best-in-market customer engagement solutions that maximize loyalty ROI for our clients and partners.”

Before stepping into this pivotal role, Wilken was a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, where he took charge as the Head of Card Strategy and served as the Product Owner for prominent initiatives like Credit Journey and MyHome. His expertise also extends to American Express, where he played a significant role in the development of loyalty and co-brand partnerships, including launching the first loyalty coalition in the U.S.

“The loyalty landscape is evolving rapidly, with intensified demands from consumers and stakeholders for greater relevance, personalization, and verifiable ROI,” stated Wilken. He emphasized that Ascenda is uniquely positioned to leverage this critical moment to reinvent how financial institutions and merchants connect with their customers. By utilizing a holistic approach to agile and results-driven innovation in loyalty solutions, Ascenda aims to enhance engagement and satisfaction among customers.

Wilken further noted, “Our modern technology stack and exciting rewards content – leveraged by some of the largest financial brands in the globe – are designed to create delightful customer experiences that promote better customer acquisition, increased share of wallet, and higher retention.”

Ascenda has established itself as a pioneer in delivering loyalty as a service for financial institutions and merchants around the world, unlocking superior ROI across various dimensions like customer acquisition, engagement, and retention. With an impressive track record spanning over a decade, the company boasts a stellar lineup of top-tier global clients and enterprise-grade technology. This positions Ascenda as a trusted partner for leading brands to achieve growth outcomes, minimize complexity, and craft extraordinary customer experiences.

In conclusion, Jan Wilken's appointment signals a promising direction for Ascenda as it continues to innovate within the loyalty solutions industry. The intersection of technology and customer engagement holds exciting potential and, under Wilken’s leadership, Ascenda looks poised to lead the charge into the future.