Square Hires Former Obama Trade Negotiator in Bid for Global Expansion

Square Inc. hired Demetrios Marantis, a former Obama administration trade official, in a move to strengthen its international relations for possible future expansion.

In his new role, Marantis will lead Square’s international government, regulatory and policy work, the company announced Wednesday. Marantis’ experience in government affairs and international relations will help the payment company smoothly expand internationally, San Francisco-based Square said.

“Square is already having a meaningful impact on local economies in the U.S. and Canada,” says Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Square, in a press release. “Demetrios’ invaluable experience will help Square provide powerful business tools to local entrepreneurs around the world.”

Marantis’s most recent role was acting U.S. trade representative, serving as the administration’s chief trade negotiator following the departure of former trade ambassador Ron Kirk in March. Previously, Marantis was a deputy U.S. trade representative, responsible for trade negotiations and enforcement in Asia and Africa.

In October, Square moved into Canada, its first move outside the States, with its mobile-pay app, which it calls Square Register in the northern provinces. According the Square, gross payment volume in Canada during the first six months of the expansion is 90% higher per capita than it was in the U.S.