CARLA PIRAS
Hove
Summary
GLOBAL & ENTERPRISE CLIENT MANAGER
Commercially driven Account Sales Leader with 15+ years of experience at American Express, spanning Global Enterprise, Mid-Market and SME segments. Proven track record of owning multi-market revenue portfolios, leading complex global negotiations, and delivering sustainable growth through strategic, relationship-led selling.
Highly experienced in executive stakeholder management, enterprise deal structuring, pricing and contract negotiation, and cross-functional leadership across Sales, Product, Pricing, Legal, Risk and Operations. Recognized for developing high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders and driving transformation within complex, matrix organizations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Global Client Manager
American Express
2021.10 - 2026.01
- Senior commercial leader accountable for global enterprise client strategy, revenue growth and executive relationships across multiple markets.
- Own a portfolio of 4 Global Client Group accounts (2 HQ Global, 1 Regional, 1 Local) delivering $800M+ annual Charge Volume.
- Executive relationship owner across Treasury, Procurement, Travel and Finance at Global HQ and regional level.
- Lead global commercial strategy including pricing, contractual frameworks and renewals, partnering closely with Legal and Pricing.
- Identify, qualify and convert enterprise client needs into scalable Amex solutions across T&E, Goods & Services.
- Influence and coordinate regional Client Managers globally to ensure consistent execution, growth and service excellence.
- Sponsor and contributor to international strategic initiatives alongside VPs and Directors.
- Trusted mentor to new hires and high-potential talent across GCS, ICS and wider business units.
- Global Commercial Services
- Secured 5-year Global Agreement renewal following competitive renegotiation and RFP, delivering +5bps margin uplift.
- Won a $350M p.a. Tax & Excise growth opportunity (South Korea) through senior global treasury relationships.
- Authored and led the Commodities on Cards global growth strategy, coaching CLMs internationally and embedding a new enterprise selling model.
- Recognised in 2025 for contribution to Global Servicing & Operational Effectiveness transformation, partnering with US & International leadership.
- Consistently top-tier performance ratings (G1 L1 – 2024).
Account Development Manager
American Express
2018.05 - 2021.10
- Senior sales contributor and acting leader within UK Corporate Sales.
- Owned portfolio of 160 Large & Mid-Market clients across multiple sectors.
- Delivered consultative, value-led sales across Corporate Card, T&E and B2B spend.
- Acted as de-facto team lead, coaching peers and supporting leadership during manager absence.
- Used advanced portfolio analytics to drive expansion, retention and wallet-share growth.
- International Card Services (ICS)
- 197% account growth and 106% portfolio growth (2019).
- Account Manager of the Year (GCS Corporate) – 2019.
- Led 5-year Global Contract renewal: $39M p.a. across 26 markets.
- Won strategic complex clients, with delivering NEW volume expansions of $20M+ p.a.
- Multiple G1 L1 performance ratings.
Account Development Manager
American Express
2016.03 - 2018.05
- Managed 500+ global and mid-market enterprise accounts across Europe in Non prop markets.
- Portfolio value $150M annual Charge Volume.
- Delivered industry-leading growth through strategic selling and executive influence.
- International Currency Cards (ICC)
- 494% account growth (2017).
- Account Manager of the Year – 2016 & 2017.
- G1 L1 performance rating.
Centurion Personal Manager
American Express
2014.11 - 2015.09
- Selected to manage a highly exclusive, globally dispersed portfolio of Centurion Card Members.
- Owned 159 Centurion clients across 80 countries, acting as primary relationship lead.
- Retained 89% of clients during the Centurion Relaunch and servicing model migration.
- Generated £1.7M+ incremental billed business in 5 months.
- Re-engaged low-spend and passive clients, increasing Share of Travel Wallet.
- Led best-practice revenue sessions and mentored peers.
- Completed Beyond Philosophy – Advanced Relationship Management.
- International Currency Cards (ICC)
Travel & Lifestyle Consultant – Centurion
American Express
2013.09 - 2014.11
- Delivered premium concierge and travel services to elite Centurion clients in a 24/7 global environment.
- Exceeded targets across revenue, service quality and operational KPIs.
- Strengthened supplier partnerships to drive incremental bookings and revenue.
- International Currency Cards (ICC)
Special Service Customer Care Professional
American Express Services Europe Ltd
Brighton
2010.11 - 2013.09
- Resolved complex cardholder disputes, achieving high First Contact Resolution.
- Acted as deputy to Team Leader, supporting operations, resourcing and performance.
- Supported international Back Office migration (Italy → Argentina) and owned Quality Control.
- Recognised as 'Relationship Hero' by VP leadership.
- Brighton, UK
- G2 L1 performance rating.
Credit Balance Refund Specialist
American Express Services Europe Ltd
Brighton
2010.03 - 2010.11
- Supported compliance remediation programme clearing 350k+ cancelled accounts.
- Conducted financial and systems analysis across multiple platforms.
- Brighton, UK
Co-Owner
Digital Photographic Ltd
2009.01 - 2009.12
- Co-managed small business operations and sales.
Telesales Agent
Telegen Call Centre Ltd
2008.01 - 2009.12
- Consultative selling of health insurance products.
Education
Creative Communications Diploma - Marketing, PR, Advertising, Media Planning, Global Marketing Strategy
Hove College
Hove, UK 2007.09 - 2008.07
Liceo Scientifico Michelangelo - GCSE-equivalent qualifications (A–C), General Studies
Liceo Scientifico Michelangelo
Italy 2000.09 - 2005.06
Skills
- Sales and revenue leadership
- Global account strategy
- Enterprise negotiation
- Stakeholder management
- Pricing and contract strategy
- Talent development
- Cross-functional leadership
- Sales transformation
Languages
English
Italian
Personal Information
Title: SALES Leader
Timeline
Global Client Manager
American Express
2021.10 - 2026.01
Account Development Manager
American Express
2018.05 - 2021.10
Account Development Manager
American Express
2016.03 - 2018.05
Centurion Personal Manager
American Express
2014.11 - 2015.09
Travel & Lifestyle Consultant – Centurion
American Express
2013.09 - 2014.11
Special Service Customer Care Professional
American Express Services Europe Ltd
2010.11 - 2013.09
Credit Balance Refund Specialist
American Express Services Europe Ltd
2010.03 - 2010.11
Co-Owner
Digital Photographic Ltd
2009.01 - 2009.12
Telesales Agent
Telegen Call Centre Ltd
2008.01 - 2009.12
Creative Communications Diploma - Marketing, PR, Advertising, Media Planning, Global Marketing Strategy
Hove College
2007.09 - 2008.07
Liceo Scientifico Michelangelo - GCSE-equivalent qualifications (A–C), General Studies
Liceo Scientifico Michelangelo
2000.09 - 2005.06