Formerly managing director of Avantra, a trading division of LINK Interchange Network Ltd (LINK), Smith has extensive knowledge of the ATM marketplace. Smith has also held senior positions at the Royal Bank of Scotland, the UK's largest acquiring bank, and Thales one of Europe's leading POS terminal manufacturers.

Commenting on Smith's appointment, Ray Low, President at TNS Inc., says "Steve is an experienced sales person with a proven track record and brings with him a wealth of international experience in the POS and ATM industry. We look forward to the inroads he can help TNS build in our existing and emerging operations around the globe."

Smith will work with TNS' existing regional and country managers and sales teams to broaden the company's offering as an end-to-end technology provider and partner of choice for retailers, banks and the financial markets. In addition, he will take a lead role in TNS' growth plans.

"TNS has a very attractive proposition, providing a solid service offering at a truly international level," comments Steve Smith. "I'm excited by the diverse opportunities faced by businesses around the world and understanding differences in operational approaches will be key to taking TNS into developing markets. I'm also really looking forward to moving back into the world of transaction processing and POS."

Smith also brings with him great experience working across Europe and previously held the role of Deputy Chairman of the European Switchers Forum, tackling such issues as SEPA (Single European Payments Area) compliance.

Smith lives in Retford in Nottinghamshire and will be based at TNS in Sheffield.