Becker will be responsible for delivering First Data Deutschland's broad range of payment solutions to customers across Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Becker brings more than 20 years of experience to First Data in the cards and payments, technology and financial services sectors. His previous positions include CEO of Pluscard, a German-based credit card processor, a leader of global accounts at MasterCard Europe, and senior roles at EUFISERV in Belgium and the German IT and processing centre Datenverarbeitungsgesellschaft mbH (dvg).

First Data has a long history of payment processing in Germany, and today, First Data Deutschland GmbH is one of the country's leading processing services providers. First Data's operations in Germany include TeleCash GmbH & Co. KG, one of Germany's premier network operators, and First Merchant Solutions (FMS), an acquiring business serving the needs of pan-European merchants and payment service providers across Europe. More than 1,000 employees are based at First Data's data centre and offices located across Germany.

"Germany is a primary market for First Data, and we are delighted to have Stephan on board," said Vincent Roland, senior vice president of First Data's Europe, Middle East and Africa business. "His deep industry expertise and extensive background in payments and technology will be valuable as we continue to focus on growing our German business and delivering high-quality and innovative products and services to our clients."

Becker holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in management from the St. Gallen Business School in Switzerland.