#USA #New York #Ascenda #Paul Smitton #Asia Miles

Ascenda Welcomes Paul Smitton as New President of International Partnerships

Ascenda, a prominent player in the loyalty-as-a-service sector, has announced the strategic appointment of Paul Smitton as its new President of International Partnerships. This decision comes at a pivotal time as Ascenda aims to bolster its global footprint and enhance collaboration with various partners in the loyalty ecosystem.

Expanding Horizons with Proven Leadership

Smitton, who previously held the position of CEO at Asia Miles, the renowned travel and lifestyle rewards program under Cathay Pacific, brings a wealth of experience to Ascenda. At Asia Miles, he was responsible for overseeing a vast network of over 12 million loyal members and more than 800 global partners. His leadership saw Asia Miles thrive, as he not only expanded its partner network but also forged significant alliances with major entities such as Mastercard, Standard Chartered, and Marriott Bonvoy.

One of Smitton's notable contributions was the introduction of a no-expiry mileage model, innovative redemption opportunities, and enhanced earn-and-burn partnerships spanning travel, retail, and financial sectors. These initiatives transformed loyalty programs into substantial growth drivers, reaping benefits for both members and partners alike.

A Vision for Meaningful Loyalty

Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Smitton emphasized that loyalty extends beyond mere point accumulation; it’s about creating genuine value for all stakeholders involved. He stated, “At Asia Miles, we demonstrated how broadening earning and redemption possibilities leads to heightened member engagement and increased revenue.” Smitton is enthusiastic about leveraging Ascenda’s extensive global network to unlock new value streams for financial institutions and merchants.

Kyle Armstrong, CEO of Ascenda, commended Smitton's vast experience and successful track record in optimizing loyalty programs globally. Armstrong expressed confidence that Smitton’s expertise will be crucial as Ascenda aims to reinforce its merchant partnerships and explore new avenues for growth. “We’re thrilled to have Paul on board,” he stated, highlighting Smitton’s skills in aligning reward ecosystems with revenue objectives.

The Road Ahead for Ascenda

As Ascenda continues to expand internationally, Smitton’s role is anticipated to have a transformative impact on the company’s strategy and operations. He will focus on driving commercial strategy and creating new avenues for value addition within Ascenda’s existing frameworks. This includes advancing partnerships and forging innovative relationships across the loyalty landscape.

Ascenda’s approach emphasizes the importance of connecting financial institutions and merchants to create a more comprehensive and engaging loyalty ecosystem. Under Smitton’s stewardship, the company aspires to solidify its position as a thought leader and innovator in the loyalty domain.

For more updates on Ascenda and its initiatives, visit www.ascenda.com.

In conclusion, Paul Smitton’s appointment is more than a personal achievement; it's a strategic maneuver designed to elevate Ascenda’s potential to new heights. The global loyalty landscape is evolving, and with leaders like Smitton at the helm, the prospects for growth and innovation are bright.