Global digital payments innovator Zip Co Limited today announced the appointment of Andy Stearns as Senior Vice President and Head of Merchant Business, starting immediately, for the U.S. market.

In his new role, Stearns will focus on accelerating the growth of Zip’s merchant network and driving product innovation to assist retail merchants in effectively capitalizing on Zip’s mission and commitment to creating a financially fearless world, attracting customers who value flexible payment options, and promoting financial well-being among all.

Before joining Zip, Stearns spearheaded all customer management groups within Capital One’s Business Cards & Payments organization. His influence extended to small, mid-sized, and large companies throughout the United States.

Prior to that, Stearns led the go-to-market efforts of Capital One’s Commercial Card business as a founding member of the team, leading the growth of sales, customer management, sales strategy and analytics as well as marketing and product strategy since the inception of the business, playing a pivotal role in propelling Capital One’s Commercial Card business toward rapid growth.

During his tenure at American Express, Stearns served as director of small business relationship management and global corporate payments business development.

Andy Stearns earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.

“I am thrilled to be an integral part of the remarkable Zip success story,” Stearns commented. “With my extensive go-to-market experience in the payments industry and the remarkable skills, mission, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Zip team, we continue to be an unstoppable force in the rapidly expanding Buy Now, Pay Later landscape. At Zip we already have strong traction in the US working with partners including Best Buy, Fanatics, Newegg, SHEIN, Mercari and many thousands more but in reality, Buy Now Pay Later is still in its infancy and expected to grow 3X in the next 5 years in the US. Now is the time for merchants to capitalize on the opportunity & together, we will further revolutionize the industry and leave a lasting impact.”