Hannah Lewis – Leading the Future of Financial Services at American Express UK
In the ever-evolving world of finance and payments, Hannah Lewis stands out as one of the most influential leaders in the United Kingdom’s banking and card services sector. As the UK Country Manager and Executive Vice President (EVP) for UK and EMEA Strategic Markets Card Services at American Express, she is recognised for her vision, strategic insight, and leadership in driving innovation across the financial ecosystem. With over seventeen years at American Express and a distinguished academic background from the University of Oxford and London Business School, Hannah Lewis’s career reflects dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Hannah Lewis: The Journey to Leadership
Early Education and Academic Excellence
Hannah Lewis’s foundation for success was laid at two of the most prestigious institutions in the world. She earned her Master of Engineering (MEng) in Metallurgy and the Science of Materials from the University of Oxford, graduating with First Class Honours. Her passion for analytical thinking and problem-solving was evident from an early stage, and these skills later became instrumental in her strategic roles within the corporate world.
To strengthen her business acumen, she pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the London Business School, graduating with Distinction between 2005 and 2007. Her time at LBS shaped her understanding of global markets, leadership ethics, and cross-functional management—qualities that would define her career at American Express.
Early Career: Consulting Foundations at BCG
Before joining American Express, Hannah Lewis spent six years as a Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) from 2002 to 2008. During her tenure at BCG, she honed her expertise in strategy development, business analysis, and corporate growth initiatives. Working across multiple industries, she gained valuable insights into consumer behaviour, organisational structure, and business transformation.
This early consulting experience equipped her with the analytical depth and strategic foresight needed to thrive in the highly competitive financial sector.
The American Express Journey
Joining American Express
Hannah Lewis began her journey with American Express in 2008, and over the course of more than seventeen years, she has become a cornerstone of the company’s leadership. Her rise through the ranks reflects her exceptional capability to manage complex operations, build high-performing teams, and deliver customer-centric strategies that align with the brand’s global vision.
Leadership Progression
Her professional journey within American Express is a remarkable story of dedication and upward progression. Starting as Senior Manager in the Strategic Planning Group (2008–2009), she quickly advanced to Team Leader of GCP Business Insights (2009–2010) and later to Director of Business Insights (2010–2012).
From there, she moved into the marketing and strategic leadership sphere, taking on increasingly influential roles such as:
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Vice President, International Network Marketing and Insights Effectiveness (2012–2015)
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Vice President, EMEA Acquisition and Loyalty (2015)
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Vice President, EMEA Consumer Marketing, Business Development and Strategy (2015–2017)
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Vice President, UK Partnerships, International Currency Card and Regulation (2017–2018)
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Vice President, Head of Consumer Product, Marketing and Brand – UK and International Currency Card (2018–2019)
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Vice President, Head of Consumer UK Product Marketing and Brand (2019–2022)
These roles demonstrate her versatility, having managed every major component of the business—from brand and product management to consumer insights, loyalty, and regulatory partnerships.
Hannah Lewis as UK Country Manager
In February 2022, Hannah Lewis was appointed UK Country Manager and Senior Vice President (SVP) of UK Card Services, where she led the UK issuing business. Under her leadership, American Express strengthened its market position and continued to deliver exceptional value to millions of cardmembers.
Her leadership is defined by a combination of analytical precision, human-centred management, and innovation-driven strategy. She champions inclusive leadership, nurturing diverse talent, and fostering an environment where creativity and accountability coexist.
In February 2025, Hannah was promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP) UK and EMEA Strategic Markets Card Services, marking a new phase in her leadership journey. This position expands her influence across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reflecting American Express’s confidence in her global strategic vision.
Chair of AESEL and Governance Excellence
Beyond her role at American Express, Hannah Lewis also serves as Chair of the AESEL Board (Association of European Self-Regulatory Bodies in the Electronic Payments Sector). This position underlines her influence in shaping ethical standards, compliance, and sustainable growth within the payments industry.
As AESEL Chair, she contributes to developing policies that ensure fairness, transparency, and consumer trust in financial services. Her leadership helps align European payment institutions with best governance practices, bridging regulatory standards across markets.
Leadership Philosophy and Impact
Strategic Vision
Hannah Lewis’s leadership philosophy revolves around purpose-driven growth and empowerment. She believes that successful organisations are built not only on innovation but also on trust, inclusivity, and long-term vision.
Her approach integrates data-driven decision-making with human empathy, ensuring that teams feel valued while delivering high performance. She has consistently advocated for initiatives that balance financial growth with social responsibility, making her one of the most respected leaders in the UK financial sector.
Champion of Diversity and Inclusion
A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Hannah promotes female leadership within the financial services industry. Her own rise through the ranks of a global organisation like American Express stands as an inspiration for women aspiring to executive roles.
By mentoring emerging leaders and supporting flexible working models, she has played a vital role in shaping the company’s progressive corporate culture.
Achievements and Industry Influence
Under Hannah Lewis’s guidance, American Express UK has continued to adapt to changing customer expectations, digital transformation, and the growing importance of sustainability in finance. Her ability to balance strategic risk-taking with customer value creation has earned her recognition within and beyond the company.
She has also been featured in various leadership and finance forums, highlighting her insights on customer experience, innovation, and organisational culture. As a senior executive, she represents American Express in key industry discussions about payments evolution, fintech collaboration, and the future of card services in the digital economy.
Personal Qualities and Professional Ethos
Colleagues describe Hannah Lewis as an authentic, approachable, and forward-thinking leader. She is known for her calm decision-making, analytical strength, and commitment to continuous improvement. Her professional ethos centres on collaboration, accountability, and empowerment—values that align with the broader mission of American Express to “back people and businesses.”
Her experience across consumer, commercial, and merchant segments has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the financial ecosystem, enabling her to connect strategy with execution effectively.
Legacy and Future Vision
As she continues to lead American Express UK and the EMEA Strategic Markets, Hannah Lewis is poised to play a defining role in shaping the future of financial services. Her focus on customer loyalty, regulatory integrity, and digital innovation ensures that American Express remains not just a card provider but a trusted partner in a fast-changing economy.
With a career built on intelligence, adaptability, and leadership, Hannah Lewis symbolises the new generation of executives who combine analytical precision with human insight. Her journey—from Oxford to London Business School to the helm of American Express UK—illustrates how education, perseverance, and ethical leadership can redefine success in modern business.
FAQs
1. Who is Hannah Lewis?
Hannah Lewis is the UK Country Manager and Executive Vice President (EVP) for UK and EMEA Strategic Markets Card Services at American Express.
2. What is Hannah Lewis’s role at American Express?
She leads the UK issuing business and oversees strategic markets across EMEA, driving growth, innovation, and customer engagement.
3. What is Hannah Lewis’s educational background?
She holds an MBA with Distinction from the London Business School and an MEng in Metallurgy and the Science of Materials from the University of Oxford.
4. How long has Hannah Lewis worked with American Express?
Hannah has been with American Express for over 17 years, holding multiple senior roles across consumer, commercial, and merchant divisions.
5. What other positions does Hannah Lewis hold?
She serves as Chair of the AESEL Board (Association of European Self-Regulatory Bodies in the Electronic Payments Sector) and is a recognised industry leader in UK finance.
Conclusion
Hannah Lewis represents the essence of purposeful leadership in the financial world. From her early consulting career to her rise within American Express, she has consistently demonstrated vision, integrity, and influence. Her contributions extend beyond corporate strategy into the broader landscape of governance, ethics, and industry development.
In an era where financial services are rapidly evolving, Hannah Lewis continues to set the standard for innovation, inclusivity, and excellence—proving that strong leadership remains the most valuable currency of all.
