Adam Coates Takes the Helm as Chief Operating Officer of ETA to Drive Payment Industry Growth
On July 9, 2026, the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) made a significant announcement regarding the appointment of Adam Coates as its new Chief Operating Officer. This move is anticipated to enable the organization to further enhance its role within the global payments industry while supporting its expanding membership base.
A well-respected individual in the sector, Coates steps into the role with an impressive background that spans over 15 years in leadership positions, most notably as General Counsel and Senior Vice President at BSA | The Software Alliance. His wealth of experience in legal governance and operations will be vital as ETA navigates through its next chapter of growth and development. Coates's past roles have seen him successfully foster high-performing teams and bolster member engagement, qualities that will be paramount as he takes the helm of the association.
In his new capacity, Coates will oversee various aspects of ETA’s activities, including membership, revenue generation, and operational functions. He will report directly to the CEO, Jodie Kelley. "Adam is an exceptional executive whose experience building and strengthening world-class membership organizations makes him an outstanding addition to ETA," remarked Kelley. Under his leadership, ETA aims to continue broadening the value offered to its members through advocacy, educational initiatives, and collaborative efforts within the payments ecosystem.
The payments industry is undergoing rapid transformations, a fact not lost on Coates as he expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to work within ETA. He stated, “ETA occupies a unique position at the center of one of the world's most innovative and dynamic industries.” Coates emphasized the importance of an organization dedicated to unifying all aspects of the payments ecosystem and the potential influence it wields in shaping business policies. He is keen to strengthen member engagement and provide enhanced support for the association's ongoing growth.
Coates holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and an undergraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. These qualifications underline his preparation for the challenges ahead as he embarks on this new journey. The Electronic Transactions Association stands as a crucial advocate for the payments industry, serving some of the leading payment and financial technology companies in the world. With Coates stepping into the role of COO, members can expect a continued focus on advocacy for their interests, fostering the innovation necessary to keep pace with evolving industry demands.
As Coates begins this next chapter in his career, the ETA is poised to further its impact as the world's preeminent advocacy and trade association for the payments industry. With approximately $56.75 trillion processed annually by its members in various transactions, the future looks promising for both ETA and its members under Coates's operational leadership.