EVO Payments International Names James Kelly Chief Executive Officer

MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, EVO Payments International, formerly EVO Merchant Services, announced that James G. Kelly has become its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Mr. Kelly assumes the CEO role for the company from current CEO Ray Sidhom who will remain the company's Chairman.   Simultaneous with Mr. Kelly becoming CEO, the company has re-branded to become EVO Payments International, LLC.

Mr. Kelly's responsibilities as CEO will include accelerating the company's expansion, both in North America and globally, and continuing to ensure the development of innovative and secure electronic payments products and solutions for its customers.

"We are thrilled that Jim has joined EVO to lead our company to greater heights," said Ray Sidhom, Chairman of EVO Payments International.  "We see tremendous growth potential in our core United States and Canadian markets, as well as outside our North American borders.  With his vast experience in leading multinational companies in their expansion efforts, Jim will be instrumental in increasing our global presence."

Mr. Kelly previously was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Payments Inc. where he led the company to further its global footprint.  During his 10 years at Global Payments Inc., the company expanded from a U.S. centered business to a company with a significant global market share.  Prior to Global Payments, he also was a managing director at Alvarez & Marsal and also worked at Ernst & Young.

"From its inception, EVO has evolved into an industry leader and today EVO has a strong platform that will enable us to drive positive change for our customers, regardless of geography, and the industry," stated Mr.  Kelly, CEO of EVO Payments International.  "We have significant opportunities to elevate our company outside the U.S. and Canada and provide our products and services to meet the dynamic needs of our customers, partners and other unique stakeholders across the globe."

EVO Name Change
In conjunction with Mr. Kelly's arrival at the company, EVO has re-branded to be EVO Payments International.  This re-branding reflects two important changes in EVO's continued dynamic growth and success.

The first important aspect of the company's name change is tied to the ever-changing payments landscape in which merchants and customers co-exist as presentment and acceptance of payments are multiplying with the advent of new technologies.  Increasingly, merchants and consumers alike are faced with a burgeoning selection of payment choices in which the playing field is leveling.  The company's focus on payments is designed to address this transformation.

The second reason for EVO's name change is its focus on the international expansion of the company's capabilities.  As the payments industry becomes truly seamless and global in its efficiencies, new markets, both mature and emerging, represent significant areas for growth for EVO.

"We've known for some time that an additional outlet for our future growth lies beyond our borders in today's interconnected globalization of payments," added Jeff Rosenblatt, President of EVO Payments International.  "By changing our name to EVO Payments International, we are recognizing this huge opportunity and fully expect to successfully expand our business to take advantage of the world market."

About EVO
EVO Payments International is a leading privately-held payments processor and acquirer for merchants, Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), financial institutions, government organizations, and multinational corporations located throughout the United States and Canada. EVO offers an industry leading array of secure, innovative products and solutions that support the growth of our highly valued customers and their businesses. Visit www.goevo.com for more information about the company and its services.

SOURCE EVO Payments International