First Performance Global, a financial technology (FinTech) startup in the Advanced Technology Development Center’s ATDC Signature portfolio of companies, named William M. Hernandez as chief executive officer. A. Wayne Johnson, founding CEO, will continue to serve as board chairman.
Hernandez brings more than 30 years of experience in the global payments industry, having held executive positions at Citibank, MasterCard, and First Data Corp. in product development, marketing, strategy, technology, sales, and mergers and acquisitions. Hernandez has also consulted in the payments industry, served as an operating partner for private equity firms and has led the launch of two FinTech startups.
“I am very excited to join the First Performance Global team,” Hernandez said. “Its innovative product empowers consumers around the globe to control how and where their debit, credit and prepaid cards can be used; all while delivering other value-added services. I know we will build upon the successes the company has delivered to date and continue to rapidly expand our client base and market presence.”
Added Johnson: “This is an excellent time for Bill Hernandez to take this leadership position at First Performance. With the company’s recently completed Series A funding round, led by MasterCard and which also included RRE Ventures, Regions Financial, and Synchrony Financial, the company is well positioned for global growth. Bill Hernandez is a highly experienced global executive and his talents will serve to deliver great benefit to the company and our clients.”
Hernandez’s skills and industry connections makes him a key addition to the team, said James D. Robinson III, co-founder and general partner at RRE.
“As CEO, Bill’s background, experience and international and domestic relationships, along with his personal network will be invaluable in building First Performance into a great payments industry company,” Robinson said.
Card issuers worldwide are experiencing an ever-increasing demand from their customers for mobile self-service technologies along with additional controls and alerts around their card-usage activities. Security, peace of mind, and an improved customer engagement experience are key elements in the market awareness and demand for the First Performance platform.