London-based EMV and smart card software vendor Aconite has promoted it head of consulting, Bev Stevens to the role of director, Middle East.
In his new role, Stevens will head up Aconite's Middle East operations and focus on developing key strategic partnerships with systems integrators and financial institutions in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Egypt and Lebanon.
Stevens has over 40 years experience in the computing industry with over nine years in the payments arena. He joined Aconite from NatWest card services where he was head of emerging technologies. Stevens was also a director of Mondex UK, a member of the EuroPay Chip Advisory Committee and represented Apacs members on the International EMV Communication Forum.
Aconite says the decision to promote Stevens and focus on the Middle East reflects the growing opportunities for EMV software and consultancy services in the region as financial institutions approach the 2006 deadline for EMV migration.