AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS Group COO Appointment boosts TAG Systems UK’s Digital Expansion
Tag Systems UK (Tag), a member of AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS and a leading card provider for UK fintechs and banks, is set to accelerate growth and digital expansion following the appointment of Faten Ben Jemaa as new Group Chief Operating Officer (COO).
With more than 20 years of global leadership experience, Faten’s appointment comes as the group looks to expand its digital capabilities to better support the growing payments ecosystem, building on Tag Systems UK’s agile approach to card manufacturing, personalisation, and fulfilment, and the company’s innovative card as a service (CaaS) proposition.
Faten brings extensive international banking experience to AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, which is the third largest card provider for European banks. Her track record includes around seven years at Giesecke+Devrient (G&D), where she held a €250m P&L responsibility in her role as Executive Vice President. She had previously spent eight years at Thales, managing key government accounts across the Middle East and Africa, including working with governments to deliver eID and biometric passport programmes – experience which she will now bring to client security at Tag Systems UK and across AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS’ portfolio.
A computer engineer by training, Faten’s career has spanned technical consulting, product management and end-to-end business leadership, giving her a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, security and market growth. This experience, which includes overseeing and improving operations in both governmental and banking sectors, is key to scaling both AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS’ operations at a group level, and Tag Systems UK’s ambitions.
A key part of Faten’s role will be supporting Tag Systems UK as the leading UK fintech business continues to deliver its strategic growth plan as an agile and innovative card provider for challenger, high street and private banks. She will also support the expansion of Tag Systems UK’s CaaS offering, which uses a single API system for card issuance, processing, payments and analytics, while driving digital transformation and operational excellence.
On her appointment, Faten Ben Jemaa, Group COO, said: “Having worked in finance for 20 years, and with my background in tech, I’ve seen the digital evolution firsthand. In my opinion, no company has as much technical knowledge, nor is it as dynamic as AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, and Tag Systems UK is a key part of that drive for excellence and innovation in the UK. That’s one of the main reasons I was drawn to the role – the group has huge potential, and I am excited to play a key role in realising that potential.
“Tag Systems UK has already become the provider of choice for neobanks when it comes to cards, and the launch of its Cards as a Service capability will build on those relationships, fast tracking growth. There is a huge opportunity for Tag to accelerate its growth by building on its portfolio with traditional and private banks, who stand to benefit from the quality, agility and speed of delivery Tag can offer, along with Tag’s extensive experience with the companies that have disrupted the banking sector. My goal is to harness this momentum while delivering operational excellence across the board.”
Dean Smith, CCO at Tag Systems UK, added: “Faten’s track record in operational excellence and ability to support businesses on their growth journey is second to none. We’re excited to work closely with her to enhance our service delivery, drive innovation in our Card as a Service offering and continue to ensure our UK partners receive the most efficient and advanced solutions on the market. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to scale and respond to the digital needs of our clients.”