Speaking about the appointment, John Berns, MD of Accourt, said: "I am very pleased to welcome Anne to Accourt. Her long experience in senior roles in the banking and payments industries, working across Europe and further afield, will prove invaluable as the company continues to grow."

Anne recently retired after 13 years as President of Visa International for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region, reporting to the worldwide president. During this time she grew the business from $5m to $330m in annual revenues, working closely with government ministers, bank CEOs and other institutions in many of the 84 countries for which she was responsible.

Before joining Visa in 1992, Anne was General Manager of Eurocard International for nine years. She led the major growth of this payments organisation and was actively involved in achieving its merger with Eurocheque International. Operating as part of the worldwide MasterCard system, Eurocard's share of global MasterCard business increased from 10% to 40% during this time.

Anne started her career in the financial sector with Crédit Agricole, after education and periods of post-graduate study in France and the United States. Amongst her achievements at the bank were the introduction of its first ATMs, and launching the first traveller's cheques denominated in French Francs.

Commenting on her new role, Anne Cobb said: "I am delighted to be joining Accourt, a company which I recognise as having an excellent reputation within the payments arena. With the current pace of change in payments and the wider financial sector, there is a clear need for the independent and insightful advice and support which Accourt provides. I hope my experience in the industry will help in further developing the company's business across Europe."

Anne will formally join the board of Accourt on 3 November 2008.