Western Union CEO Hikmet Ersek Awarded 'Austrian of the Year' by Leading Austrian Newspaper

“It is an honour to receive such a prestigious award,” said Mr. Ersek. “Many internationally renowned Austrians have won this accolade, I am humbled and privileged to be in such esteemed company.” “At Western Union, we recognize the importance of playing an active role within the international community to promote a world without borders,” he added. “As a leader in cross-border payments, we see the economic, cultural and societal benefits international migration brings every day throughout the world.”

“We are proud to see an Austrian leading such an impactful global company,” said Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Sebastian Kurz. “I would like to personally congratulate Mr. Ersek on this achievement. It is encouraging to see how Western Union is transforming and innovating to meet the changing needs of our fast-paced society.”

Prior to becoming CEO in 2010, Ersek served as the company’s chief operating officer. He joined Western Union in September 1999, and held several senior international roles of increasing responsibility within the company, helping lead the global expansion of the company.

Western Union has a 165-year tradition of innovation, resilience and disruption in the industry it operates, helping consumers and businesses thrive in today’s borderless world. In 2015, it moved USD$150 billion across the globe for 150 million consumers and 100,000 businesses, and currently processes an average of 31 transactions per second.

Over the last 10 years, the company’s presence has expanded in more than 200 countries and territories. It has 204 regulatory international licenses, more than 500,000 retail locations, an online presence in 37 countries, and the ability to pay funds into more than one billion accounts globally.