Reporting directly to Chief Executive Alastair Lukies, Pertti will work with international wireless carriers and handset manufacturers to help develop mobile payments initiatives in key markets across the globe.

Pertti's initial focus will be on expanding Monitise's key relationships in the UK and North America, as well as helping to develop Monitise's ecosystems in India and Africa. He will also lead Monitise's innovation programme with its wireless partners, developing new services that meet the needs of both the industry and consumers in specific markets.

Pertti has over 25 years experience in the cellular industry and most recently served as President of QUALCOMM Middle East and Africa, where he oversaw all the company's business in the region. Prior to joining QUALCOMM in 2004, he spent 16 years working for Motorola Corporation, joining as Director of International Cellular Infrastructure Operations in 1986 and serving in various management and executive positions including vice-president and general manager for the International Cellular Infrastructure Division and senior corporate vice-president and general manager of the European, Middle Eastern and African regions.

Pertti Johansson commented: "I have watched Monitise's development closely over the past few years and it is clear to me that its model of universal mobile money sets the international standard. With mobile money services now reaching maturity, the importance of combining regulated financial services with the expertise of the cellular industry is clearly apparent. I look forward to working with my colleagues from across the wireless industry to deliver Monitise's collaborative approach to mobile money throughout the world."

Alastair Lukies, Chief Executive, Monitise plc added: "Pertti is undoubtedly one of the most respected people in wireless, having led the development of the industry from a niche product into the most successful and pervasive piece of consumer technology ever introduced. I am delighted that he will now be working with us to ensure that the mobile phone has the same impact on money as it did on global communications."

Pertti received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and telecommunications from the Helsinki Institute of Technology. He served as a member of the board for Aegis Communications Corporation and a number of industry boards including the Strategic Account Management Association, Pacific Telecom Council, U.S.-Russia Business Council and the Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce. He also currently sits on the Board of Governors of the University of Haifa.