Robert joins Savantor from First Data International where he held the position of HBoS Business Development Director for the EMEA Acquiring division.

Robert brings to Savantor many years of experience in acquiring. As HBoS Business Development Director, Robert was responsible for the successful delivery of a new processing platform and the migration of the merchant portfolio from the existing provider to First Data. Prior to HBoS, Robert also held key positions with Woolwich Plc and Ford Motor Company Ltd.

Commenting on Robert's appointment, Savantor's managing director, Geoffrey Down said: "I am delighted that Robert is joining Savantor at this exciting time. The banking industry is increasingly realising the necessity of offering acquiring capabilities to its customers, yet at the same time it is not regarded as being core to their offering. Robert's role will be to build a complete value proposition in order to approach prospects such as banks, processors and terminal manufacturers and to position Savantor as an authority to retailers."

Merchant acquiring is an integral part of the credit and debit card payment market. Banks are increasingly recognising the need to offer this facility to their customers as a means to enhancing their service offering.

Robert's role will be to support banks by evaluating the acquirer market, assist participants in the expansion, or disposal of, acquirer portfolios, advise in the negotiations of these acquisitions/disposals together with managing their business and operational migration.