Point-of-sale services group Tyro Payments (ASX: TYR) has named fintech specialist Nigel Lee to replace CEO Jon Davey, who announced in June plans to retire from the role before the end of this year.
Lee, a former regional executive of French merchant services technology company Ingenico, will assume the role of CEO on 12 January 2026 after completing a handover with Davey who is leaving Tyro to join and undisclosed private equity-backed business.
Chief financial officer Emma Burke will be interim CEO for the five weeks between Davey exiting Tyro and Lee starting, while also continuing in her CFO role.
Tyro says Lee brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience across the payments, fintech and digital sectors, with a track record in scaling businesses, driving growth and executing successful digital and commercial transformations.
His experience in payments includes issuing and acquiring software and hardware solutions, working with companies such as American Express, First Data Corporation, MoneyGram and DataMesh Group.
Among his most recent positions were regional Asia Pacific managing director and chief customer officer at Ingenico, where Lee also worked with Tyro.
Tyro chair Fiona Pak-Poy says Lee’s appointment followed an extensive executive search process involving a “very strong pool of candidates”.
“I’m pleased to confirm Nigel as our new CEO,” says Pak-Poy.
“His deep global and Australian payments expertise, experience in accelerating growth, shaping transformations and spearheading innovation strongly aligns with Tyro’s strategic ambitions.
“In addition to his global payments experience, Nigel also brings relevant experience from working with fintech companies at a private equity business.
“Nigel’s domain knowledge and extensive leadership experience will ensure we continue our momentum to drive sustainable growth for shareholders, deliver compelling outcomes for customers and foster a high-performance culture.”
Lee’s experience also includes operating partner at private equity asset management company APIS Partners, specialising in fintech portfolio companies across Asia and Africa. He has made investments in several payments businesses during his tenure.
Currently based in Singapore, Lee plans to relocate to Sydney to take up the CEO position at Tyro.
“I am passionate about the payments industry and have followed Tyro’s story since it was founded in 2003,” says Lee.
“It is exciting to return to Australia to lead one of the country’s most innovative fintechs into its next chapter.”
Davey will leave Tyro after more than five years with the company and the past three as CEO. He was elevated to the top job in September 2022 after Robbie Cooke accepted the position of CEO at The Star Entertainment Group (ASX: SGR) several months earlier.
“Jon has played a critical role during a pivotal period for Tyro,” says Pak-Poy.
“He has been an exceptional leader who has led Tyro to profitability, increased free cash flow and driven our growth agenda in existing and new verticals.
“Importantly, he has embedded operational excellence across the business and leaves Tyro with a growth strategy and high-performing executive and senior leadership team.”
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