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- Joe Walsh appointed Managing Director of Reward Gateway | Edenred’s UK business
- New appointment reflects strategic focus on technology, transformation and future growth
- Thierry Afalo moves into Managing Director of Edenred’s Global Engagement business to support global ambitions
LONDON 2nd June 2026 - Reward Gateway | Edenred, a global leader in employee engagement and HR technology has announced Joe Walsh as Managing Director of its UK business as the company accelerates into its next phase of growth.
Joe has been appointed Managing Director UK at Reward Gateway | Edenred, reflecting a refreshed approach to the company’s leadership structure as part of its long-term succession planning for the UK business.
Joe brings more than 25 years of commercial experience across a number of global brands, including, most recently, Samsung, where he led the organisation’s enterprise mobility and solutions strategy. His experience at the forefront of consumer technology and user experience has given him deep insight into evolving customer expectations and how technology can create more connected and engaging workplace experiences.
Spanning technology, transformation and commercial growth, Joe’s expertise will help shape the future direction of Reward Gateway | Edenred’s UK business as it continues supporting organisations to reduce employee turnover, boost productivity and enhance employees’ spending power.
Alongside Joe’s appointment, Thierry Afalo has been named Managing Director of Edenred’s Global Engagement business to support the company’s global scaling ambition. He succeeds Nick Burns, who is transitioning into a senior advisory position at the start of June, supporting continuity across the leadership team and the next stage of the company’s growth journey.
Together, these appointments reflect a broader strengthening of Reward Gateway | Edenred’s leadership team, bringing together continuity within the business and deep expertise across technology, transformation and commercial strategy.
Joe Walsh, Managing Director UK at Reward Gateway | Edenred, comments: “Taking on the role of Managing Director is an exciting next step in my career, and I’m thrilled to be part of an organisation that combines transformation and innovation while taking a people-first approach. Culture, creativity and employee experience have always been central to my leadership style, and and I look forward to playing a role in Reward Gateway | Edenred’s continued journey to success within the UK.
“Technology is continuing to reshape the future of employee engagement, and I’m excited by the opportunity to help organisations create more connected, rewarding and meaningful workplace experiences.”
Nick Burns, Senior Advisor at Reward Gateway | Edenred adds: “Joe’s experience, leadership and proven track record made him the standout candidate to lead Reward Gateway | Edenred’s UK business. With over 25 years’ experience driving commercial growth and transformation, he brings the ambition, energy and strategic focus needed to strengthen our proposition and support our continued expansion.
“His blend of commercial and technology expertise will be invaluable as the employee engagement landscape continues to evolve, and his passion for employee experience and culture aligns perfectly with our long-term vision for the UK business.
“We’re also excited to continue scaling both in the UK and globally under Thierry’s leadership. Thierry’s appointment marks an exciting next chapter for the business, and I look forward to supporting him and his team in my new advisory role.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact:
Emma Briggs, Account Director
emma.briggs@vccproar.com
07704768861
About Reward Gateway | Edenred
Reward Gateway | Edenred partners with 6,000 companies worldwide to empower 10 million employees, fostering recognition, reward, wellbeing, surveys and benefits that support talent acquisition, retention and business growth.
For more information, please visit: https://www.rewardgateway.com/uk