Oberthur Card Systems, one of the world's leading providers of smart card-based solutions, has appointed Martin Ferenczi managing director of the North American region.
He reports to Philippe Geyres, Chief Executive Officer of Oberthur Card Systems.
"Martin brings a solid track record within the company to the North and Central American markets which are experiencing tremendous growth and change," noted Philippe Geyres. "The US banking industry is launching contactless programs, the mobile industry has entered the third generation technology of GSM, the government ID and security sector continues a solid growth and prepaid and gift card markets remain a solid business."
Martin, age 51, joined the Francois-Charles Oberthur Group 16 years ago as President and CEO of Banknote Corporation of America. In March 2005, he became chief financial officer of the Francois-Charles Oberthur Group.
"This is an exciting time in the Americas for our industry," said Martin Ferenczi. "We're going to continue to grow our footprint in all sectors of the card and card service industry."
A graduate of the Solvay Business School (Belgium), Martin started his career with the Chase Manhattan Bank in London. He was successively a Vice President in Corporate Banking in New York and then a Managing Director within the Investment Banking Department. In 1988, he attended the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School.
Martin Ferenczi replaces Philippe Tartavull, who, after nine successful years in Oberthur Card Systems, has decided to leave the company to pursue other business opportunities.