Berkshire Partners

In February 2024, Al Kelly retired from Visa after ten years as chairman and CEO. During those years, Visa’s revenue grew more than 2.5 times to $33B, and its market cap more than four times to $580B. Today, he serves as an advisory director at Berkshire Partners, a leading private equity company based in Boston.

Kelly spent most of his career at American Express, where he worked from 1987 to 2010. He held several senior positions, including President from July 2007 to April 2010. Prior to joining American Express, Kelly was the head of information systems at the White House from 1985 to 1987. 

He is a Trustee of Iona University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Boston College, and Saint Joseph’s Seminary and College. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and is a member of the Archdiocese of New York’s Finance Council.

From April 2011 to August 2014, Kelly was the President and CEO of the 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Company, which was created to raise funds for and host Super Bowl XLVIII. He was Chair of Pope Francis’ visit to New York City in 2015 and was named a Knight in the Pontifical Order of Saint Gregory the Great by Pope Francis in 2016.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer and Information Science and a Master of Business Administration degree from Iona University. He is a second-generation Irish American with roots in Cork.