First Data Bolsters Executive Ranks to Drive Product Expansion

First Data made four executive appointments as part of its diversification beyond payments processing to include a broader set of merchant services.

Its updated lineup, announced Oct. 1, creates new roles for Barry McCarthy, Andrew Gelb, Sanjiv Das and Adam Rosman.

McCarthy will lead four businesses, including First Data's Star Network. McCarthy, who has worked for First Data for 10 years including a stint in the financial services division, will also lead TeleCheck, Money Network and Prepaid Solutions—all considered key units given First Data's work with Apple on Apple Pay, First Data said in an Oct. 1 press release.

Gelb will head First Data's financial services business, with responsibilities including credit and debit issuing products, statements, card production, lockbox and online banking. Most recently he was head of Treasury and Trade Solutions in North America at Citigroup.

Das will lead First Data's international business, which includes operations in 35 countries and payment technology and processing in nearly 70 countries. Das was also formerly at Citigroup, as CEO and president of CitiMortgage, where he helped lead that company through the recent financial crisis, First Data said. Das succeeds John Elkins, who is now chairman of First Data's international business.

Rosman will be First Data's general counsel and will oversee the company's internal and external lawyers. He joins First Data from Willis Holdings, one of the world's largest insurance brokers, where he was general counsel and led the company's global legal, compliance, risk, audit and corporate security functions.

Adam Rosman will serve as First Data’s new general counsel. He joins First Data from Willis Group Holdings plc, the world’s third-largest insurance broker, where he was general counsel and led the company's worldwide legal, compliance, risk, audit and corporate secretary functions. At First Data, Rosman will oversee First Data’s in-house attorneys and outside lawyers.

Frank Bisignano, First Data's CEO, has made several diversification plays a major part of his strategy since joining the company in 2013.

First Data's other ongoing diversification plays include the growth of its Clover Station tablet-based point of sale product, Insightics business insight offering, Perka loyalty program and Gyft prepaid technology.