MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MoneyGram International (NYSE:MGI), a global leader in the payment services industry, today announced that it has named Nigel Lee executive vice president of the company’s EMEAAP region, which covers Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

In his role, Lee will have responsibility for growing MoneyGram’s business in EMEAAP, a strategically important region that currently includes nearly 130,000 agent locations, spans 147 countries, and accounts for 30 percent of MoneyGram’s total revenue. Lee will report to MoneyGram Chairman and CEO Pamela H. Patsley.

“We are very pleased to have Nigel on board. He is a proven leader who brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the EMEAAP markets and the cultural and economic dynamics that drive them,” said Patsley. “Collectively, these regions represent a tremendous growth opportunity for MoneyGram and we are excited to leverage Nigel’s diverse background in the global payments space to strengthen MoneyGram’s position.”

Said Lee, “I am delighted to be joining the MoneyGram team at this exciting time. The company has done an exceptional job building MoneyGram’s brand, strengthening its market position and increasing its global network. I look forward to helping accelerate the company’s momentum across the EMEAAP region.”

Prior to joining MoneyGram, Lee was president of First Data Asia Pacific, a role he held since 2005. At First Data, Lee created a profitable Asia Pacific business. Previously, Lee served as regional vice president, financial services for EDS in Hong Kong. He has also held a variety of senior executive positions including CIO and Head of Strategy for Australian Home Loans, that country’s largest non-bank retail lender. Lee began his career as a management consultant with Accenture, formerly Andersen Consulting.

Lee holds a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College in London, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Manchester Business School and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Marketing in the UK. Lee lives in Singapore with his family.

Beginning May 1, 2010, John Hempsey will serve as a senior consultant with MoneyGram for several months.

"I want to thank John for his valuable contributions to the company,” said Patsley. “He has built a strong and talented team and has helped to grow our presence in every corner of the world. We are pleased to have a continuing relationship with John and wish him well in his other future endeavors.”

About MoneyGram International

MoneyGram International offers more choices for people separated by distance or with limited bank relationships to meet their financial needs. A leading global payment services company, MoneyGram International helps consumers to pay bills quickly and safely send money around the world in as little as 10 minutes. Its global network is comprised of 190,000 agent locations in 190 countries and territories. MoneyGram’s convenient and reliable network includes retailers, international post offices and financial institutions. To learn more about money transfer or bill payment at an agent location or online, please visit www.moneygram.com.

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