With XPP, the company’s new product-led entity, four powerful fintech propositions—Ginger, Vayapay, KUARIO, and Pecunda—have come together under one strategic umbrella. As XPP takes shape, so does its leadership team. Among them is Aissam, Chief Product Officer, whose experience spans over a decade across fintech, banking, and e-commerce. We sat down with Aissam to hear more about the vision behind XPP, his leadership approach, and what drives him day to day.

‍

Tell us a bit about your background. What drew you to this role at XPP?

“I’ve spent the past 12+ years leading product in fast-paced, high-growth environments,” Aissam explains. “What’s driven me throughout is a passion for creating clarity in complexity, scaling teams, and building products that make a real impact.”

‍

When Aissam joined XPP, the opportunity was clear: four strong propositions, each with significant potential, and a leadership team ready to level up. “What excited me most was the chance to align these diverse product lines into a single, coherent, product-led strategy focusing on customer problems. That’s exactly the kind of mission I thrive on.”

‍

But beyond the strategy, it was the culture that really sold me. “It’s an international, people-centric environment full of positive energy. A place where teams can really challenge themselves, enjoy the ride, and build something meaningful together.”

‍

What does your role involve, day to day?

“No two days are the same,” Aissam says. “I spend my time zooming in and out—working on portfolio-level direction across Ginger, Vayapay, KUARIO, and Pecunda, and then diving into the details with teams as they shape product bets or resolve delivery challenges.”

‍

At the core of the role is creating focus and momentum. “I work closely with engineering, product, sales, marketing, and delivery—making sure we’re building the right things for the right reasons. It’s a constant balance between long-term vision and near-term impact.”

‍

Context-switching is a big part of the job, but what truly ties everything together is a leadership approach grounded in clarity, trust, and ownership. “I don’t believe in micromanaging—instead, I focus on providing teams with the right context, clear direction, and the autonomy they need to do their best work.”

‍

What’s special about working at XPP?

‍

For Aissam, it starts with the people. “What I love most about XPP is the mindset”, he shares. “It’s a diverse, ambitious team with a shared drive to build and improve. There’s a real sense of openness and purpose here—it’s something you don’t come across often.”

‍

What excites him most in his role is the chance to shape a connected product ecosystem. “Each product has its own strengths, but the real magic is in how they come together. Helping create that cohesion across teams and domains—that’s incredibly rewarding.”

‍

There’s also a personal side to it. “I genuinely enjoy seeing people grow,” Aissam adds. “Whether it’s someone stepping into a new level of ownership or a team hitting its stride—those are the moments that make this work meaningful.”

‍

How would you describe your leadership style?

‍

“My leadership style is grounded in trust and pragmatism,” Aissam says. “I give teams clarity on direction, space to think and act, and the support to grow.”

‍

It’s about more than just delivering results—it’s about how those results are achieved. “When people understand the bigger picture, feel trusted, and see how their work connects to outcomes, they naturally step up.”

‍

Aissam focuses on creating an environment where feedback flows, expectations are clear, and there’s room to challenge and learn. “I’m hands-on when needed, but I also know when to step back. My goal is to help teams move forward with confidence and purpose.”

‍

How do you see your role within the management team?

‍

 As part of XPP’s Management Team, Aissam brings a product lens to business strategy. “My role is to connect product thinking directly to business outcomes. That means aligning our product strategy with where the company is heading, and ensuring we can deliver at scale.”

‍

Product, for Aissam, is the link between vision and execution. “My focus is on turning strategy into progress—building ambitious but actionable roadmaps, and staying close to what our customers actually need.”

‍

Looking ahead, the goal is clear: “A unified product ecosystem that’s scalable, coherent, and impactful. That means enabling teams to operate with purpose and staying close to real-world problems.”

‍

What’s a project or milestone you’re particularly proud of?

‍

“Creating cohesion across our product lines stands out. When I joined, Ginger, Vayapay, KUARIO, and Pecunda were moving in different directions. What we’ve done is align them—technically, strategically, and culturally.”

‍

This unification enabled the upcoming launch of XPP’s hybrid smart terminal proposition—one that blends closed-loop and open-loop payment processing into a seamless experience. “It’s not just a product achievement—it’s changed how we collaborate and think as one team.”

The impact? “Clearer ownership, stronger momentum, and a more scalable business proposition.”

‍

What trends or shifts in the market are you keeping an eye on?

‍

“The market is shifting,” Aissam observes. “There’s growing concern about the dominance of a few global payment platforms. It creates dependency and limits innovation. At XPP, we see that as an opportunity to offer a real alternative through our modular, independent platform.”

‍

Unified experiences across digital and physical touchpoints are also in high demand. “Customers expect consistency—whether they’re at a kiosk, on a website, or using an app. That’s where XPP shines, especially with our support for both closed and open-loop payments.”

‍

And while data and AI are on the radar, Aissam is clear: “We’re not chasing trends. We’re solving real problems, in ways that scale and create lasting value.”

‍

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, Aissam recharges through baking, cooking, and travelling. “Cooking with family and friends is both creative and structured, much like product work. It’s about seeing unexpected possibilities.”

‍

Travel, too, plays a big role. “Experiencing different cultures helps me stay curious and open-minded. It shapes how I work with diverse teams and tackle complexity.”

‍

These passions offer more than a break—they provide a mental reset that fuels better decision-making back at work.

‍

Any advice for someone just starting out in their career?

If you’re just starting your career, Aissam has three key pieces of advice:

‍

“First, be proactive. Step forward, even when you’re unsure. That’s where growth happens. Second, invest in relationships. Skills will come, but trust and collaboration are what shape your long-term impact. And finally, don’t overthink every step. Progress beats perfection. Stay curious and keep learning—your path will shape itself.”

‍

As XPP continues to evolve, it’s clear that the company’s product strategy is in thoughtful, experienced hands. With a people-first mindset, a passion for solving real problems, and a talent for creating clarity, Aissam is helping shape the future of payment technology—one decision, one product, and one team at a time.

‍