The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) today announced the promotion of
Hikmet Ersek to chief operating officer effective January 1, 2010. In
his new role, Ersek will continue to report to Christina A. Gold,
president and chief executive officer, and will have responsibility for
all of Western Union’s business units around the world, as well the
company’s operations and marketing functions.
“Western Union has grown considerably in scale, scope and complexity
over the past few years,” said Christina A. Gold. “Hikmet has proven to
be an effective and resourceful leader, building highly engaged teams
and consistently delivering results amid increasing diversity in our
business. His new role will allow the company to focus on our drive
toward innovative ways to serve our consumers and business clients every
day. I am very pleased that he has agreed to take this new leadership
position in service to our company and shareholders.”
Ersek is currently the executive vice president and managing director
for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific region, based
in Vienna. A native of Turkey, Ersek joined First Data Corporation,
Western Union’s former parent, in September 1999, and held executive
positions at GE Capital and Europay / Mastercard. He holds a degree in
Economics and Business Administration from the University of Economics
in Vienna.
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment
services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta and Pago Facil branded
payment services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable
and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well
as send payments and purchase money orders. Western Union, Vigo and
Orlandi Valuta operate through a combined network of more than 400,000
agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2008, The Western
Union Company completed 188 million consumer-to-consumer transactions
worldwide, moving $74 billion of principal between consumers, and 412
million consumer-to-business transactions. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
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