Surbhi Sharma
Summary
Seasoned expert in payments product commercialization and strategic business transformation. Successfully led a major initiative at American Express, enhancing UK merchant coverage via partnerships, earning the President's Award. Pioneered the launch of Amex's Open Banking Product (A2A). Currently leading Amex’s Bill Payments transformation across 27 markets.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Director Product - International Bill Payments
American Express
London
11.2025 - Current
- Lead Bill Payments Product Management team comprising 8 Senior Managers across 27 markets.
- Facilitated innovative international bill payment solutions for consumer, SBS and Corporate.
- Manage end-to-end product lifecycle to optimise customer experience and satisfaction across global markets, responsibilities include outlining value proposition, requirements, prioritisation.
- Collaborate with Fintechs and Banks to consistently explore innovative methods for facilitating customer payments.
Director, Bill Payments, Europe & APAC
American Express
London
10.2024 - 10.2025
- Lead bill payments strategy and execution across Europe and APAC, overseeing product innovation and market expansion
- Manage a team of 5 senior managers, fostering collaboration and driving high performance
- Deliver executive-level communications, including strategic updates, product roadmaps, and market insights
- Conduct in-depth analysis of fintech players to identify market trends, competitive opportunities, and potential collaborations
- Spearhead strategic planning initiatives, aligning product goals with business objectives to drive growth and innovation
Senior Product Manager - Europe Bill Payment
American Express
London
03.2024 - 09.2024
- Product Modernisation and Optimisation: Spearheading Europe Bill Pay across the SEPA market, ensuring product stability and continuous optimisation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Built strong partnerships with development, compliance, legal, operations, and technology teams to ensure seamless product delivery
- Effective Communication: Maintained clear, consistent communication with leadership, providing regular updates and insights on project progress and strategic direction
- Industry Knowledge: Keeping myself and team informed about payment innovation within industry
Business Transformation Lead
American Express
London
04.2023 - 03.2024
- Strategic Initiative Leadership: Led a transformative business initiative at American Express to expand UK merchant coverage through partnerships with Payment Facilitators, ISVs, and alternative models
- Comprehensive Strategic Planning: Led four key workstreams (Commercial, Tech, Migration, Governance) to execute a transformative change management effort effectively
- Financial Strategy and Planning: Collaborate closely with Finance leadership to develop robust deal modelling, strategic planning, and financial forecasting to support project objectives
- Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Act as a liaison between project teams and senior leadership, providing regular updates and ensuring alignment with the General Manager of the UK
- Visionary Leadership and Socialisation: Promote and socialise the vision and objectives of Project Knight throughout the organisation, fostering buy-in and enthusiasm among stakeholders
Product Lead (Open Banking) - UK & Europe
American Express
London
09.2019 - 03.2023
- Product Launch and Leadership: Led the successful launch, and management of AXP's Europe Open Banking Product, processing over $11 billion in transaction volume
- Capability Enhancement: Formulated and executed go-to market strategies in collaboration with cross functional teams for PayFac model, bill payment systems, digital invoicing, and QR code capabilities, leveraging 'Pay with Bank transfer (Push Payment)'
- Regulatory & Industry Engagement: Worked closely with regulators to secure necessary licenses and approvals for the launch of new payment products in Europe, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements
- Customer-Centric Approach: Amplified the customer voice in product development, gaining insights into their needs and preferences within the evolving payment industry landscape
- Leadership and Mentorship: Established and empowered a high-performing team, guiding them to success through effective leadership and mentorship
Marketing Assistant
American Express (Part-time while studying MBA)
Brighton
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Campaign Compliance Leadership: Ensured flawless execution of American Express campaigns, meeting all compliance and regulatory requirements across UK and European markets
- Governance Consultation: Evaluated Amex campaigns and provided governance consultation to marketing teams
- Team Development: Trained, coached, and mentored staff, facilitating the smooth adoption of new processes
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Successfully partnered with IT, Finance, Sales, and Marketing teams on various projects, contributing to the successful product launches
Technical Lead/ Software Engineer
ATOS SYNTEL Brighton
Mumbai|Brighton
12.2012 - 08.2018
- Campaign Support and Technical Enhancement: Supported Amex card offers, drove technical improvements, and managed Corrective Action Plans
- Data-Driven Efficiency: Conducted data analysis and provided automation recommendations to enhance project efficiency
- Global Team Management: Successfully managed a global team dispersed in multiple locations
Education
MBA -
University of Sussex
Brighton, United KingdomBachelor of Technology -
Maharishi Markandeshwar University
IndiaSkills
- Data-Driven Product Leadership
- Strategic Visionary
- Exceptional Communicator
- Team Development & Mentorship
- Operational Excellence & Efficiency
- Market & Competitive Analysis
- Project Management Mastery
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Partnerships & Influence
Accomplishments
Winner of Amex’s President Award
Timeline
Director Product - International Bill Payments
American Express
11.2025 - Current
Director, Bill Payments, Europe & APAC
American Express
10.2024 - 10.2025
Senior Product Manager - Europe Bill Payment
American Express
03.2024 - 09.2024
Business Transformation Lead
American Express
04.2023 - 03.2024
Product Lead (Open Banking) - UK & Europe
American Express
09.2019 - 03.2023
Marketing Assistant
American Express (Part-time while studying MBA)
09.2018 - 08.2019
Technical Lead/ Software Engineer
ATOS SYNTEL Brighton
12.2012 - 08.2018
MBA -
University of Sussex
Bachelor of Technology -
Maharishi Markandeshwar University