SIX Group intends to position itself more clearly as a provider of all-round payment transaction solutions and to continue driving growth in Switzerland and Europe.
To achieve this objective, the two divisions active in the field of cashless payment transactions - Multipay and Cards & Payments - are being combined at the beginning of 2012. The Board of Directors has appointed Niklaus Santschi CEO of the integrated division.
The new division's integrated business model will create within SIX Group an organization that is close to the client, strong and flexible in product development, and efficient in its service delivery. A targeted international market presence, in combination with highly attractive products and services, will position SIX Group Europe-wide as a leading international payment services provider.
The Board of Directors has named Niklaus Santschi (1968) CEO of the new integrated division and member of the SIX Group Executive Board with effect from 1 January 2012. Swiss national Niklaus Santschi has a wealth of experience in the processing and acquiring side of cashless payment transactions as well as an excellent understanding of the European markets. He has been Head of Business Development & Sales within the Multipay Division and CEO SIX Pay since 2008 and is also responsible for expanding the international acquiring portfolio. He began his career in 1991 at Eurocard (Switzerland) AG. Afterwards, he moved to Payserv AG, where he was responsible for setting up a European sales and marketing organization. Niklaus Santschi was a European Sales Manager at Telekurs Card Solutions AG from 2002, and Head of Marketing & Sales and Member of the Executive Board at Telekurs Multipay AG from 2003. He graduated in economic history and European law in Zurich and deepened his studies in International Management at Insead in Fontainebleau.
The Heads of the current Multipay and Cards & Payments Divisions, Hans-Martin Moser and Felix Aeschlimann respectively, will retain responsibility for their divisions and remain members of the SIX Group Executive Board until the end of 2011. Under their stewardship the card business was expanded substantially, one of their key tasks being to drive international expansion. They will be involved in the process of integrating the two divisions to ensure a smooth transition. On completion of the amalgamation and the handover of responsibilities, Hans-Martin Moser will be taking on a new challenge outside the company, while Felix Aeschlimann will continue to be active in expanding the card business by undertaking special assignments. Following more than eight successful years at the helm of Cards & Payments, Felix Aeschlimann will be retiring at a date yet to be determined.
Urs Rüegsegger, CEO SIX Group: "Niklaus Santschi's many years of international experience in acquiring and processing are an excellent foundation on which to drive ahead with the aggressive international growth strategy in cashless payment transactions. At the same time, I wish to thank Hans-Martin Moser and Felix Aeschlimann for the great commitment shown by them in establishing and expanding SIX Group's international card business."