Our Executive Leadership Team consists of a diverse group of seasoned professionals with decades of experience in innovative thinking and business acumen. Under the leadership of CEO Melissa Smith, we establish the strategic direction of the company, oversee execution against corporate priorities, and develop talent and cultural globally.

Driving innovation is ingrained in WEX’s DNA. We operate ahead of the curve by offering customizable, modern solutions that meet our client needs not just for today, but also the future. And we invest in that future by funding strategic investments while remaining focused on operational efficiency. We build upon our momentum in the marketplace and continue to attract new business partners, expand existing relationships, scale our business overseas, and enhance our capabilities and product offerings.

Melissa Smith of WEX

Melissa Smith
Chair, CEO, and President

Melissa joined WEX in 1997 and, since then has filled a variety of leadership roles, including Global President and President of the Americas. Melissa served as CFO during the company’s IPO in 2005 and has continually driven WEX’s dramatic growth, both organically and through acquisitions. She’s been CEO since 2014 and chair since 2019.

After she took the helm, revenue more than doubled, reaching $1.7 billion in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melissa brought WEX to expected revenue of more than $1.8 billion for 2021. She also substantially diversified the company, moving from a primarily U.S.-based, fleet-centric business to a global enterprise with offices in 14 countries and more than 5,500 employees worldwide.

The leadership and cultural values that inform Melissa’s professional life were forged from growing up on a farm in the rural town of Winn, Maine. She was also named PYMNTS.com’s Most Innovative Women in Payments in 2014 and one of PaymentsSource’s Most Influential Women in Payments in 2014, 2019, and 2021. Melissa is an active participant in her community and with non-profit work and currently sits on the board of Maine Health. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Equifax. Melissa earned a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Maine in 1991 and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2021.

Carlos Carriedo
Chief Operating Officer, International

Carlos joined WEX in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer (COO), International, leading WEX’s strategic growth outside the U.S., overseeing Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific (APAC) markets. He brings more than two decades of experience driving global business expansion through multinational innovation and digital transformation initiatives. As Chief Operating Officer, International, Carlos focuses on revenue growth, sales and customer strategy.

Prior to joining WEX, Carlos worked at American Express as the General Manager of Commercial Services for Europe, and he also served as Chairman of American Express Bank of Russia. During his time at American Express, Carlos held various positions managing commercial services across international markets including Europe, Russia, Canada and Latin America. In addition, he led a global council to integrate best practices across markets, focused on growth, scalability and productivity enhancements. Prior to that role, Carlos worked as an analyst at Deloitte Consulting.

Carlos holds an MBA degree from Stanford University, and an undergraduate degree from the Instituto Technológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Mexico. He is based in London.

Jay Dearborn

Jay Dearborn
Chief Strategy Officer

Jay joined WEX in 2016 and assumed the role of Chief Strategy Officer in 2022. He drives both strategy and operational planning across the organization, and is responsible for end-to-end M&A activities, including deal origination, execution, and integration, as well as government affairs and external communications.

During Jay’s tenure with WEX, he has held increasingly responsible roles, serving as VP of Strategy and then, beginning in 2017, as a member of WEX’s Executive Leadership Team and as President, Corporate Payments.

Prior to joining WEX, Jay was a principal at McKinsey & Company, where he assisted private and public organizations on both sides of the Atlantic determine and execute against strategic direction, including technology deployment and process redesign to support long-term growth. Previously, at American Express, Jay was responsible for elements of the merchant marketing organization and corporate strategic planning.

Jay holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He also has a master’s degree in law and diplomacy from Tufts University’s Fletcher School. He is active with FocusMaine and the United Way.