In this new position, Bast will be responsible for developing Diebold's program for communicating the company's business strategies and facilitating communications between Diebold investors and shareholders. This includes the planning and development of certain financial communications, investor conferences and meetings to discuss Diebold's business strategies, growth opportunities and industry dynamics. He reports to John Kristoff, vice president and chief communications officer. Jennifer Bako, manager, investor relations, will report to Bast.

Bast joined Diebold in 1994 as a financial analyst, corporate development, and has held a number of positions with increasing responsibility within the corporate finance area. Most recently, he was director, treasury and payment operations. Bast was formerly employed by Deloitte & Touche in Cleveland, Ohio, as an auditor.

Bast earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and business management from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. In addition, he is a certified public accountant (CPA), as well as a certified treasury professional (CTP). Bast hails from Louisville, Ohio, where he currently resides.