Bobby Thomson is the Global Head of Government Engagement at Visa Inc., where he leads Visa’s engagement with key business and government leaders in the U.S. and around the world to promote the growth of electronic payments and foster financial inclusion. Thomson is also responsible for partnering with public and private sector stakeholders to develop and advance global public policy on a range of issues, including competition, tax, privacy, and emerging technologies such as cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence.
A payments industry veteran, Thomson previously served as Head of U.S. Government Engagement at Visa, where he directed all corporate U.S. state and federal advocacy efforts, and as Vice President, Federal Government Affairs at American Express Company.
Thomson holds an MBA from the George Washington University, where he graduated with honors. He also holds a BA from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, and is a graduate of DePauw’s Management Fellows Program.
Thomson is a Trustee Emeritus of Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL. As a Trustee, Thomson served as Treasurer and Chairman of the Investment Subcommittee, which managed the Illinois College endowment fund. He received an honorary doctorate from Illinois College in 2018 and an honorary BA in 2009.
Thomson is a member of the Ford’s Theatre Society Board of Governors President’s Circle. He also serves on the boards of the Ripon Society, the Public Affairs Council, and the Information Technology Industry Council. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors of the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, Maryland.
