New Chief's Personnel Actions Match His Words

If personnel moves are leading indicators of a top manager's leanings, then Malcolm Williamson is aligning his words with actions.

The Visa International chief executive officer, who was previously CEO of Standard Chartered PLC of London, came aboard expressing great admiration for Visa's achievements, particularly its No. 1 market share in payment cards, years of double-digit volume growth, and ranking among the world's strongest brand names.

Yet he made it clear that changes were in the offing, ultimately aimed at improving member banks' competitiveness and bottom lines.

He has, accordingly, put a strong personal stamp on his senior management team, but there was no wholesale housecleaning.

Daniel Eitingon has stayed on as president of global support services -- though he is planning to retire and his successor will be overseeing a new "shared services organization."

Mr. Williamson retained the longtime legal counsel, Bennett Katz, and marketing-branding chief Jan Soderstrom.

Mr. Williamson also added Stephen Schapp, a veteran of both U.S. and European postings and most recently executive vice president of emerging products, to his group of direct reports.

Appointments from outside were: Rupert Keeley, formerly of Standard Chartered Bank, who heads finance, administration, and risk management; Michael Patriarca, formerly of Wells Fargo Bank and two federal regulatory agencies, in charge of the audit function; Elizabeth H. Rounds, formerly of Citigroup, heading human resources; and communications executive David Demerest, who came from Bank of America.

"This is a mix of new and old," Mr. Williamson said, "and I think everyone is comfortable with that." -- Jeffrey Kutler

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