Artwell Nwaila has joined Visa as Director of Marketing Services, marking a significant new chapter in the career of one of Africa’s most accomplished creative and digital marketing strategists.
Announcing the move, Nwaila expressed excitement about the opportunity to “build, innovate, and move the needle,” as he transitions into the global payments and financial technology sector after nearly eight years at Google.
Prior to joining Visa, Nwaila held multiple senior leadership roles at Google, including Head of Creative Strategy & Head of Partner Ecosystem for Africa. In his dual role, he led initiatives focused on innovation, artificial intelligence, and future-forward marketing strategies, helping brands and agencies across the continent navigate an increasingly digital and data-driven landscape.
As Head of Creative for Africa, he worked closely with leading brands, media agencies, and creative agencies to unlock growth through data-led creativity, AI integration, and platform innovation. Simultaneously, he led Google’s partner ecosystem across Africa, overseeing networks of technology partners delivering digital transformation projects for major organizations.
Nwaila’s career spans over two decades across advertising, media, technology, and creative communications.
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Before Google, he held senior creative leadership positions at SuperSport, where he served as Creative Director and On-Air Marketing Manager, leading award-winning campaigns that earned recognition including Gold Loeries, Clios, and Promax awards.
He also founded SA Creatives, an award-winning platform created to showcase and empower African creatives, which was later acquired by a media group. His previous experience includes leadership roles at Offlimit Communications, Straight Twisted, Newsclip Media Monitoring, Now Media, and Caxton Community Newspapers.
Widely regarded for his expertise in creative strategy, digital marketing, brand storytelling, and innovation, Nwaila’s appointment signals Visa’s continued focus on strengthening marketing leadership and customer engagement across Africa’s evolving digital economy.
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