Kevin was previously CEO of Ebates, an e-commerce marketplace and global cashback platform. During his nine-year tenure, Kevin grew Ebates 40-fold and ultimately sold the company to Rakuten for $1bn in 2014 - in what was Japan’s largest ecommerce deal at the time.

Originally an investment banker and an entrepreneur, Kevin helped launch The GulfStar Group, a boutique investment bank headquartered in Texas. He also worked six years with the Boston Consulting Group, providing strategic and operating expertise to leading multinational companies during assignments in North America, China, Japan, Thailand and Europe. Kevin also has an MBA from Stanford University.

Bringing this international experience and industry expertise, Kevin will play a core role in accelerating WaffarX’s expansion, developing its platform and reach. Kevin has also invested personally in WaffarX – his first personal investment outside the United States.

Kevin’s appointment follows WaffarX’s multi-million dollar fund raise in December 2021, led by major Silicon Valley venture capital firm – Lobby Capital. It was Lobby Capital’s first ever investment in the MENA region.

Ezz Fayek, Co-Founder and CEO of WaffarX, said:  “We are delighted to welcome Kevin Johnson as our new Chairman, and as a personal investor. As an industry pioneer and iconic name, he brings huge experience and industry knowledge. He will be a huge asset to WaffarX and will play a core role in our business development and continued rapid growth. We are all really excited to have him on board.”

Kevin Johnson, Chairman of WaffarX, said: “I have been impressed with what Ezz Fayek and the rest of the WaffarX team have accomplished in a few short years. They have shown a real understanding of consumer loyalty and local market dynamics. I am really pleased to join the team and look forward to helping spread the benefits of a world-class cash back shopping program to the consumers and merchants of the MENA region.

Founded in 2018 by Ezz Fayek, Mahmoud Montasser and Ahmed Kamel, WaffarX uses cutting-edge technology to distribute cash back rewards, helping shoppers save on every dollar they spend. WaffarX’s secure channel helps brands shift advertising spend directly to consumers via cashback rewards. This creates deeper loyalty for brands, whilst customers monetize their own data, instead of third parties.

WaffarX has grown exponentially, and now has over 300 merchant partners and over one million members. The company’s cutting-edge technology provides what modern consumers and merchants/brands want, and benefit both groups.