Executive Search Fintech – Square’s First APAC Hire
In 2014, MitchelLake was engaged to deliver a critical executive search for fintech unicorn Square (now Block, Inc.). At the time, Square was one of the world’s highest-profile pre-IPO startups, backed by its disruptive payments technology and the vision of its Co-Founder and CEO, Jack Dorsey.
Our mandate was to identify and appoint Square’s first in-country executive in Asia-Pacific, responsible for leading operations, building brand awareness, and driving growth in the Australian market. This leadership hire served as a strategic anchor for Square’s regional expansion into APAC, establishing the foundation for long-term growth across the fintech and payments ecosystem.
Jack Dorsey underscored the importance of this launch in Australia:
“With the launch of Square Reader in Australia, we’re empowering local sellers with the tools they need to start, run, and grow their businesses. Our launch in Australia is an important step for our company and an exciting moment for a market so committed to innovation and an entrepreneurial small business community.” – Jack Dorsey, CEO & Co-Founder of Square
📖 Read the full story via Delimiter: Square’s low-cost credit card reader launches in Australia.
About Square (Block, Inc.)
Square on LinkedIn – Square builds business tools in unconventional ways so more people can start, run, and grow their companies. What began as a simple mobile credit card reader has since evolved into a comprehensive fintech ecosystem, including:
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Square Reader & Terminal – simplifying in-person payments
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Square Capital – providing lending and working capital
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Square Payroll – making workforce management easier
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Cash App & Afterpay – expanding the consumer-facing fintech stack
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, Square (Block, Inc.) now operates across the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Japan, with offices in San Francisco, Oakland, New York, Toronto, Melbourne, London, and Tokyo.
Why It Matters
This executive search for fintech leadership exemplifies MitchelLake’s expertise in helping high-growth digital ventures establish and scale operations in new global markets. Square’s successful APAC entry demonstrated how a well-placed regional leader can unlock adoption in a competitive market and act as a launchpad for further international expansion.
📩 Contact MitchelLake to explore our track record in executive search for fintech, payments, and digital ventures — from first-market entry hires through to global leadership teams.