Tyro Payments Taps Nigel Lee as CEO to Accelerate Growth and Innovation
Tyro Payments has appointed Nigel Lee as its new CEO, bringing over 25 years of global fintech and payments expertise to lead the company from January 2026. The leadership change signals a strategic push for growth and innovation in Australia’s competitive payments landscape.
- Nigel Lee appointed CEO starting 12 January 2026
- Over 25 years of global fintech and payments leadership experience
- Outgoing CEO Jon Davey credited with driving profitability and growth
- Remuneration package includes $830,000 fixed salary plus incentives
- Interim CEO role covered by CFO Emma Burke during transition
A New Chapter for Tyro Payments
Tyro Payments Limited (ASX – TYR) has announced the appointment of Nigel Lee as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 12 January 2026. Lee succeeds Jon Davey, who has led the company through a pivotal period marked by profitability and operational excellence. The transition reflects Tyro’s ambition to build on its momentum in the Australian fintech and payments sector.
A Leader with Global and Local Expertise
With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning payments, fintech, and digital commerce, Nigel Lee brings a wealth of knowledge to Tyro. His career includes senior roles at Ingenico, American Express, and First Data Corporation, among others. Notably, Lee served as Regional Managing Director Asia Pacific and Chief Customer Officer at Ingenico, where he worked closely with Tyro, giving him a nuanced understanding of the company and the local market.
Lee’s background also includes private equity experience as an Operating Partner at APIS Partners, where he focused on fintech investments across Asia and Africa. This blend of operational leadership and investment insight positions him well to drive Tyro’s strategic growth and innovation agenda.
Strategic Continuity and Growth Focus
Tyro Chair Fiona Pak Poy highlighted the rigorous search process that led to Lee’s appointment, emphasizing his alignment with the company’s ambitions. She praised outgoing CEO Jon Davey for steering Tyro to profitability and embedding a high-performance culture, setting a strong foundation for Lee’s tenure.
Lee’s remuneration package includes a fixed annual salary of $830,000, with eligibility for both short-term and long-term incentives tied to performance metrics. This structure underscores the board’s confidence in his ability to deliver shareholder value while fostering customer satisfaction and innovation.
Transition and Next Steps
During the five-week gap between Davey’s departure and Lee’s start date, CFO Emma Burke will serve as interim CEO, ensuring continuity in leadership. Lee is currently based in Singapore but will relocate to Sydney, signaling his commitment to being hands-on in Tyro’s core market.
As Tyro embarks on this leadership transition, investors and industry watchers will be keen to observe how Lee leverages his global experience to navigate the evolving payments landscape and accelerate Tyro’s growth trajectory.
Bottom Line?
Nigel Lee’s appointment marks a strategic inflection point for Tyro, with growth and innovation firmly in focus.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Nigel Lee’s global experience translate into competitive advantage for Tyro locally?
- What strategic initiatives will Lee prioritize to sustain Tyro’s growth momentum?
- How will the market respond to the leadership change amid evolving fintech dynamics?