NETOPIA Group overhauls Leadership amid Digital Payment Boom

The shake-up follows the majority acquisition of NETOPIA by investment fund INNOVA Capital in September 2023, signaling a shift in strategic direction.

The appointment of Marius Costin as CEO brings an industry veteran into the top role. Costin has spent nearly two decades in payments and telecom and most recently led Central and Eastern European operations for a regional Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) company. His challenge now is to navigate a competitive digital payments market that is seeing rapid regulatory changes and shifting consumer preferences.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me with my appointment as CEO. NETOPIA is a player I’ve admired from a distance in our highly competitive industry. I have great respect for the team NETOPIA has built over the last 20 years, and I aim to contribute to this team effort and an accelerated growth trajectory over the next four years,” said Marius Costin.

Meanwhile, Niculae Vasile, the new CTO, is tasked with steering NETOPIA’s technological direction. With over 25 years of experience in IT and digital transformation, he will oversee the company’s transition to more advanced technologies and scalable solutions. Given the increasing security risks and the demand for seamless payment experiences, his role will be critical in maintaining NETOPIA’s competitive edge.

The executive shifts extend beyond the CEO and CTO roles. Diana Kallos, who became CFO in 2024, brings two decades of experience in financial management. Delia Paceagiu, the company’s COO, has been with NETOPIA for seven years, handling operations and compliance. Meanwhile, Horia Grozea, with 15 years at NETOPIA, continues to lead sales and business development.

This management restructuring comes as NETOPIA looks to consolidate its position in Romania’s digital payments landscape, which has become increasingly competitive with the rise of fintech startups and international payment giants.

The leadership overhaul reflects NETOPIA’s ambitions to expand and adapt to new market realities. As digital transactions become more prevalent, the company faces pressure to innovate while keeping up with changing regulations and consumer expectations.

With backing from INNOVA Capital and a refreshed leadership team, NETOPIA’s next moves will be closely watched by industry observers. Whether these changes will translate into significant growth remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the company is making bold bets on its future.