Regular, platinum and gold Visa cards are displayed in New York March 18, 2008. REUTERS/Chip East

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Imagine running the world’s largest credit card network, and not having your own plastic.

That’s what happened to Visa Inc Chief Executive Joseph Saunders.

He spoke Thursday morning at a Goldman Sachs financial services conference in New York, and had come from San Francisco, Visa’s headquarters.

Unfortunately, his credit cards didn’t make the trip.

“I’m supposed to start off, and say that I’m very happy to be here, and I guess I am. But it’s 4:15 in the morning as far as I’m concerned, and I lost my wallet on the way here,” Saunders said. “It’s rather embarrassing when somebody steals my credit cards.” The comment prompted laughter.

Saunders began his presentation at 7:15 a.m EST.

Saunders did not elaborate. Visa did not immediately return a call seeking further comment.