DENVER, Sep 13, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Western Union Company, a worldwide leader in money transfer services, today announced that Gary Kohn, CPA has been appointed vice president, Investor Relations. Kohn will lead Western Union's Investor Relations activities as it completes a planned spin-off from parent company First Data Corp. Kohn previously served as vice president, Investor Relations, for First Data.
"We're excited to have Gary on board to lead interactions with the investment community as we transition into an independent company," said Christina Gold, President of Western Union. "His knowledge of and experience in the financial services industry will be an invaluable asset to our team during this pivotal point in Western Union's history."
Kohn joined First Data in 2000 as director of financial planning and analysis. He assumed the position of Director, Investor Relations with First Data in 2001. Prior to joining First Data, Kohn spent several years in tax and audit practice and mortgage banking. In addition, Kohn served for three years as manager of financial planning and analysis for The Thomson Corporation.
Kohn is a member of the National Investor Relations Institute as well as The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Kohn graduated in 1988 from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. He resides in Metro Denver with his wife and two children.
For questions regarding Western Union Investor Relations, please phone 866-405-5012.
About First Data and Western Union
First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for businesses and consumers worldwide. Serving 4.6 million merchant locations, 1,700 card issuers and millions of consumers, First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions includes credit, debit, private-label, gift and other prepaid card issuing and merchant transaction processing services; money transfer services; money orders; fraud protection and authentication solutions; check guarantee and verification services through TeleCheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile solutions. Western Union, together with its affiliates Orlandi Valuta and Vigo, are leaders in global money transfer, providing people with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send money around the world, pay bills and purchase money orders through a network of over 270,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories. The company's STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 1.9 million ATM and retail locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.
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SOURCE: The Western Union Company
The Western Union Company
Sherry Johnson, 720-332-4750
Sherry.l.Johnson@westernunion.com
Copyright Business Wire 2006
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