Global payment provider Klarna has appointed a general manager for Australia and New Zealand following its announcement in late 2019 that it will launch in Australia this year.

Francine Ereira will lead the business’ launch in Australia and oversee daily operations and expansion across the region.

She will commence with her role on February 3.

Late last year, Klarna has announced it will enter into an exclusive partnership with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to launch Klarna in Australia and New Zealand. 

“We’re absolutely delighted that Fran will join Klarna and help accelerate our global journey to offer consumers more transparent, flexible and intuitive retail services centred around their needs,” said Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkwosk.

Siemiatkwosk said the combination of Ereira’s strategic leadership and operational experience in the fast growing digital and payments sector in Australia will be a huge asset to their global team.

“As Klarna continues to grow rapidly across markets, we are excited to bring new innovative services to Australian consumers and add real value to all our merchant partners to further help unlock potential so they can compete effectively.”

Ereira has been in senior roles at some of Australia’s most prominent retail and technology companies including The Walt Disney Company, Sheridan, eWave and Temando. Her most recent role is a senior executive at Zip Co.