Michael is an accomplished and widely recognized industry executive with extensive market experience and an impressive career track record of superior results.

Michael joined Panini in July 2007 as Director of Marketing for Panini North America. After significant contributions to the achievement of Panini's market leadership position in the US market, he was promoted to global Chief Marketing Officer in March 2009, playing a strategic and central role in the expansion and diversification of the company. Prior to joining Panini, Michael served in successful senior executive roles with Standard Register, AT&T, and NCR. He earned a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Dayton and an MBA from Miami University.

"Michael has earned the respect of our key stakeholders including customers, partners, employees, and shareholders," notes Panini Board of Directors member Stefano Cassina. "We are delighted to entrust the leadership of Panini to his capable hands."

The role was formerly held by John O'Malley, who has left the company to pursue other interests. "We thank John for his contributions, and wish him the best in his future endeavors," notes Panini President Vittorio Levi.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be entrusted with the leadership of this outstanding company," says Pratt. "Our focus will be on market driven execution with an unwavering commitment to customer centricity. Our strategy will be based on optimized execution in our core business of payments truncation, combined with accelerated development of solutions in emerging payment markets. We have the customer base, channel partners, talent, assets, brand, quality, and technical innovation to achieve new and breakthrough milestones in the continuation of Panini's remarkable 68 year history."