Mastercard Appoints Suman Hughes to Lead Communications Across Europe

Suman Hughes has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Head of Communications for Europe at Mastercard, succeeding Jim Issokson, who recently retired after two decades with the company.

In her new role, Hughes will lead Mastercard’s communications team across Europe, overseeing corporate affairs, reputation, issues management, product communications, brand, employee communications and social media.

Mastercard employs around 9,000 people across 30 offices in the region.

Hughes Takes on Expanded Communications Mandate

Hughes will report to Jennifer Erickson, Global Head of Communications at Mastercard, who is based at the company’s headquarters in Purchase, New York.

She joined Mastercard in 2019 as Director of Communications for the UK and most recently served as Vice President of Communications for Europe.

Before joining Mastercard, Hughes spent seven years at HSBC and also held agency roles at Instinctif Partners, FTI Consulting and Consolidated, building experience across corporate communications and reputation management.

Issokson Retires After Two Decades

Hughes succeeds Jim Issokson, who recently retired after a career spanning two decades at Mastercard.

Issokson began his career working on political campaigns before moving into the agency sector, with roles at Edelman and Shift Communications.

He joined Mastercard in 2006 as Vice President of Reputation Management and Public Affairs Communications and was appointed to lead communications for Europe in 2021.

Reflecting on his retirement in a LinkedIn post, Issokson said his communications career brought new challenges and opportunities, including managing media issues. He also said he took pride in serving as the company’s voice.

Hughes’ promotion marks the next phase of Mastercard’s European communications leadership as she takes responsibility for the region’s corporate and brand communications agenda.