Singapore, 2nd February 2007 - First Data International, a leader in electronic commerce and payment services around the world, today announced the appointment of Sean Saeed Hesh as Managing Director of Merchant Solutions Pte Ltd, First Data's newly formed merchant services joint venture with Standard Chartered Bank in Asia, effective immediately. Mr. Hesh is based in the Merchant Solutions headquarters in Singapore and joins with 17 years of industry experience, including more than 13 years with First Data Corporation's Commercial Services unit. Mr Hesh joins Merchant Solutions from his role as Senior Vice President Special Projects and Business Development TASQ Technology Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of First Data Corporation, where he was responsible for directing the company's international expansion, strategic planning and development of new vertical markets. Within this role Mr Hesh managed the successful roll out of the Check Capture Vertical - Check 21 for TASQ Technology. He also championed the expansion of TASQ Technology into the Canadian Market.
"This new appointment is one of a series of strategic initiatives within the region and Sean's previous experience will directly add to the strength and growth potential of the joint venture," said Nigel Lee, President of First Data International Asia.
Lee added: "Sean has in-depth experience in creating new market opportunities and the details associated with managing joint venture operations. The joint venture will be in very capable hands."
Mr. Hesh has also held a variety of other key senior roles within First Data encompassing responsibilities for operations, strategy and business development, particularly in the joint venture and international expansion areas during the last few years. Whilst at First Data Commercial Services, Mr Hesh was assigned to a number of strategic alliances with key financial institution partners. He also served as the Chief Operating officer of Cardservice International.
"This is an exciting opportunity to join Merchant Solutions and to lead its new operation within the seven initial markets in Asia. Given my background in merchant services, I am proud to be part of First Data's merchant alliance with Standard Chartered Bank, the first of its kind in Asia." Mr Hesh said. "This agreement builds on the solid foundation we've established and to extend our footprint even deeper into Asia."
Note to Editors: photo available on request.
About First Data International
First Data International, a division of First Data Corporation (NYSE:FDC), is a leading, worldwide provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for financial institutions and merchants. First Data International serves a diverse range of markets, leveraging global scale through local presence while maintaining focus on individual client needs. The company has approximately 7,900 employees and operates across Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, Canada, Australia and Asia-Pacific.
First Data provides services to 4.9 million merchant locations, 1,900 card issuers and their customers. First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions includes merchant transaction processing services; credit, debit, private-label, gift, payroll and other prepaid card offerings; fraud protection and authentication solutions; electronic check acceptance services through TeleCheck as well as e-commerce and mobile payment solutions. The company's STAR-Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 2 million ATM and retail locations across the US. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com
First Data International Media Contact:
Cara Taylor
First Data International
Tel: 0011 1 303 967 6367
Cara.taylor@firstdata.com
