Elvira Schachermeier is vice president, Communications & Public Affairs, Ford of Europe, a position she was appointed to on December 1, 2021. In this role, she is responsible for growing reputation and leading all internal and external communications initiatives for the region.

Born in Germany, Schachermeier is an experienced communications leader who joins Ford of Europe after having served nearly 20 years at Visa, Inc. in Europe and the United States. 

While at Visa, she most recently was Chief Communications Officer, Europe Region, a position she was appointed to in January 2017. In that role, she was responsible for developing Visa’s communications strategy and leading all related internal and external communications functions including corporate, brand, product, client and employee communications.

Prior to that, Schachermeier was based in California, United States with Visa, serving as Vice President, Global Corporate Communications, a position she was appointed to in October 2014. She also served as Senior Director, Global Corporate Relations, leading technology and product innovation communications, since October 2005.

Her connection with Visa began in June 2002 when she worked for Inovant LLC, the global IT services organization for Visa’s operating companies, serving as Director of Communications.  

Schachermeier started her career in Communication at Sydney-based broadcaster, Special Broadcast Services (SBS), as a television Production Manager for the 1994 World Cup.  
In 1996, she joined the PR and communications agency, Wilson McHenry Company, working with clients in the high-tech, financial services and retail sectors.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television Communications from San Francisco State University. She also is a graduate of Visa Executive Edge, a program developed in partnership with the University of California at Berkeley, designed to develop female talent in leadership positions at Visa.

Schachermeier is married with three adult children and resides in Osnabruck, Germany.