Paolo Rizzardini

Group Chief Commercial Officer & Board Member @ Mondia

About

As a Digital Business Leader with 25+ years of expertise, I have a proven track record of building and scaling platform ecosystems across the telecommunications, media, and mobile payments sectors. I specialise in turning digital services into sustainable revenue through innovative products, strategic partnerships, and global market expansion. My approach combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, blending creativity with engineering discipline to transform complex ideas into scalable business models. I thrive in transformation environments, where I clarify strategy, align teams, and turn vision into measurable results. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across regions from Asia to Southern Europe and globally, and across business stages, from startups to large corporations, consistently driving growth. At Mondia, I helped reposition the company as a focused and profitable digital marketplace by sharpening its strategy, strengthening partnerships with leading content providers, and expanding its customer base and revenue streams. I envisioned and spearheaded the creation of Mondia’s inaugural time-as-a- currency platform, which was first introduced as an MVP in South Africa and later transformed into Mondia Gallery, greatly enlarging the company’s Total Addressable Market. Additionally, I forged strategic alliances with Tier-1 Video, Music, and Gaming providers, enhancing Mondia’s global content ecosystem. At Infobip, I established the Asian mobile payments division from scratch, conceptualised and launched YenCoins in Japan, and grew the business tenfold within a year. At Vudoir, I initiated the company’s first direct-to-consumer product, led the shift towards a B2B model, drove product development and fundraising efforts, and secured early enterprise clients, including El Corte Inglés. I’m motivated by opportunities where technology and digital services can meaningfully improve everyday life, and where I can help shape strategy and guide organisations toward sustainable, impactful growth. #DigitalTransformation #PlatformEconomy #BusinessStrategy #DigitalLeadership #ProductInnovation #StrategicPartnerships #Telecommunications #MediaIndustry #MobilePayments #GlobalGrowth #InnovationLeadership #DigitalEcosystems

Country

United Arab Emirates

City

Dubai

Industry

Information Technology & Services

Skill

Electronic Payments, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Management, Business Strategy, Go-to-Market Strategy, Strategic Roadmaps, Product Road Mapping, Service Providers, Partnership-building, Building Business Partnerships, Establishing Strategic Partnerships, Working with Investors, Investment Management, Foreign Investment, Strategic Planning, Financial Planning, Investment Strategies, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Financial Reporting, Budgeting & Forecasting

Experience

Group Chief Commercial Officer & Board Member

Mondia

2023-7 - Present · 3 yrs 3 mos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

▪️Defining and implementing the company's commercial strategy ▪️Recognising and fostering strategic initiatives designed to create or expand new business lines ▪️Establishing targets and evaluating the performance of various Business Units and the entire Group ▪️Overseeing relationships with both internal (Shareholders) and external (Investors) stakeholders ▪️Driving revenue growth and profitability by leading sales, marketing, and business development strategies

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mondia Digital

Mondia

2021-8 - 2023-10 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

▪️Responsibility for the company's profit and loss ▪️Focus on short-term strategies and performance (Horizon 1) ▪️Development of long-term strategies, innovation, and future growth (Horizon 2 and 3) ▪️Contribution to Group management as a member of the Group Board

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Mondia

2019-9 - 2021-8 · 2 yrs

Greater Madrid Metropolitan Area

▪️Business strategy and revenue generation (Horizon 1) ▪️Business strategy and prospective growth (Horizon 2 and 3) ▪️Sales operations and management of the commercial team ▪️Management of key clients and strategic alliances ▪️Recognition of new market demands and opportunities ▪️Establishment of new business frameworks and aid Mondia's innovation

MD Southern Europe

Mondia

2018-10 - 2019-9 · 1 yr

Greater Madrid Metropolitan Area

▪️Accomplishment of the fiscal year revenue targets for the Southern Europe area ▪️Oversight of the relationship and growth of our key accounts in the region (Vodafone, Orange, TIM) ▪️Pursuit of a business strategy to broaden our customer base ▪️Responsibility for the regional profit and loss ▪️Management of legal entities (Spain, Italy) and the daily team operations

Co-Founder & COO

Vudoir Hub, S.L.

2015-4 - 2018-10 · 3 yrs 7 mos

Greater Madrid Metropolitan Area

▪️Definition of product and commercial strategy ▪️Management and execution of the roadmap ▪️Oversight of providers and partners ▪️Proactive investor sourcing and pitching

Vice President Mobile Payments

Infobip

2013-1 - 2015-3 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Belgrade, Serbia

▪️Definition of product and connectivity roadmaps ▪️Establishment of sales strategies and targets for every region ▪️Identification and securing of strategic partnerships with other payment providers and mobile operators ▪️Infobip's spokesperson for mobile payments (events, roundtables, interviews, articles, press releases)

Vice President Centili APAC

Infobip

2011-9 - 2012-12 · 1 yr 4 mos

Malaysia

▪️Operations initiation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ▪️Establishment of carrier billing connections with major Asian operators ▪️Development of an international customer base through this connectivity ▪️Build out a virtual currency (Ycoins) that facilitates seamless mobile, scratch card, and credit card transactions for digital content in Japan

Founder and CEO

Key Vision

2007-4 - 2011-9 · 4 yrs 6 mos

Milan Area, Italy

▪️Financial performance, strategic planning, and accountability for fundraising ▪️Oversight of the operational activities of the consulting division ▪️Product direction strategy and development roadmap

Sales Engineer

Funambol

2006-3 - 2007-4 · 1 yr 2 mos

Milan, Lombardy, Italy

▪️Assistance with Pre-Sales and Post-Sales; management of RFI/RFP processes ▪️Management and support for resellers ▪️Support for business development activities in the EMEA region

Product Specialist

Ingenium Technology

2004-2 - 2006-2 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Milan, Lombardy, Italy

▪️Engagement of presales activities, which involve the company presentation and its software to a variety of potential clients across Italy ▪️Oversight of SLA projects within diverse customer settings.

Software Analyst and Developer

Ingenium Technology

2001-5 - 2004-1 · 2 yrs 9 mos

Milan, Lombardy, Italy

▪️Analysis of customer requirements and definition of user stories ▪️Development of a product roadmap (waterfall) ▪️Architecture of optimal solutions and implementation (Java)

Education

MIT Professional Education

2024-5 - 2024-9 · 5 mos

Emphasis: creating AI solutions and machine learning models without conventional coding, utilising visual tools, automation platforms, and pre-built AI services.

IEBS Business School

Marketing

2016 - 2017 · 1 yr

Emphasis: attracting, engaging, and converting audiences by leveraging valuable content and digital strategies instead of conventional advertising. This program integrates marketing, storytelling, data, and digital tools.

Università degli Studi di Padova

Computer Science Engineering

1998-9 - 2002-2 · 3 yrs 6 mos

Emphasis: the design, construction, and enhancement of computers, software, and digital systems. The program integrates mathematics, programming, systems engineering, and cutting-edge technologies.