WEX Discusses International Expansion (And A New Name!)

In order to best service companies in different countries throughout the world, a unique understanding of each market’s strengths and weaknesses is required. That’s what WEX, formerly Wright Express, is focusing on as it expands the business globally while catering to clients’ needs. PYMNTS.com spoke with Melissa Smith, President of The Americas, and David Maxsimic, President of International, with WEX about the company’s new name, the evolution of electronic payments and WEX’s growing global payments footprint.

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To read a transcript of the audio conversation, click here.

Melissa D. Smith

President, The Americas, Wright Express

Melissa D. Smith has served as our President, The Americas since January 2012. Before that, she served as President, North America from April 2011 until December 2011. Prior to that, she served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations since November 2007. From September 2001 until November 2007, she was our Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer and from April 1999 to August 2001, she served as our Vice President and Controller. From May 1997 to August 2001, Ms. Smith served us in various financial positions. From August 1991 to April 1997, Ms. Smith held various positions as a senior auditor and manager in the Portland, Maine office of Ernst & Young LLP, which was acquired by Baker, Newman & Noyes LLC, a Portland accounting firm. Ms. Smith has over fifteen years of experience in finance, auditing and accounting positions. Ms. Smith is also the chairperson of the Board of Directors of Wright Express Financial Services Corporation.

David D. Maxsimic

President, Wright Express International

David Maxsimic is responsible for the company’s international operations, including its International IT strategy and projects, and executing on global expansion strategy, including M&A opportunities.

Prior to becoming President, Wright Express International, David Maxsimic served as our Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing since November 2007. Before that, he was our Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing from January 2003 until November 2007. From July 2000 to December 2002, Mr. Maxsimic served as our Senior Vice President of Sales. From September 1999 to June 2000, Mr. Maxsimic served as our Vice President and General Manager for the Wright Express Direct Card. From November 1997 to August 1999, Mr. Maxsimic served as a Vice President of Sales. From November 1987 to November 1997, Mr. Maxsimic was a senior sales executive for several major fleet service companies, including U.S. Fleet Leasing, GE Capital Fleet Services and PHH Fleet America. Mr. Maxsimic has 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and managing customer relationships, in addition to managing and executing sales of complex financial services.