PayWith assembles a powerhouse board and executive team

Top talent from mobile payments and marketing, e-commerce, and advertising added

VANCOUVER, April 16, 2014 /CNW/ - CEO  David Strebinger today announced the expansion of the PayWith leadership team.  PayWith, a new mobile payments and marketing company, recently launched an innovative new smartphone app called the PayWith mCard that simply and securely enables in-store transactions with mobile devices.

"PayWith has assembled a very influential, experienced group of businessmen and entrepreneurs to help it become a leader in mobile payments and marketing technology in North America," says Strebinger.  "As the mobile payments industry enters a period of explosive growth in Canada and around the world, PayWith has the executive bench strength to realize the remarkable potential ahead."

Recruiting from successful payments, advertising, media, hospitality, e-commerce and e-gifting companies, PayWith's Board of Directors now includes Neil Podmore, David Stone, and Olivier Vincent.  The PayWith Advisory Board is composed of Frank Palmer, Arthur Griffiths, and Mike Rogers. 

Neil Podmore  is a co-founder of PayByPhone, a world leader in the mobile payment industry for parking, operating in over 95 cities across North America.

David Stone  is co-founder and former CEO of Cashstar, the e-gifting company that powers the Starbucks mobile e-gifting solution, one of the most successful mobile loyalty solutions available.

Olivier Vincent  is founder and former CEO of Canpages, which was Canada's largest independent local search company.

Frank Palmer  is Chairman and CEO of DDB Group Canada and DDB Canada (formerly Palmer Jarvis DDB), the country's most creatively acclaimed marketing communications agency.

Michael Rogers  is President and co-founder of Palmer Rogers Encore Ventures and former Vice-President at Canaccord Capital and Senior Vice-President at Yorkton Securities.

Arthur Griffiths  is the well-known former owner of the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Grizzlies, and General Motors Place. 

These additions add to the existing executive team that includes Strebinger, co-founder and COO Don Kirkwood, and CMO Rob Whittle. 

"Our mission is to make Canada the world leader in mobile payment adoption," says Strebinger. "With the team and experience assembled, PayWith is well positioned to lead and rapidly expand merchant and consumer use of mobile payment solutions like the mCard."

Following a successful 12-month pilot conducted in Vancouver and Phoenix, Arizona, the mCard is first being made available to all types of merchants in the Greater Vancouver Area and will be rolled out across Canada over the next 18 months to become a widely available payment choice.  PayWith is slated to release a number of new features and innovations over the coming months.

About PayWith Worldwide

PayWith Worldwide (www.PayWith.com) consists of a dedicated team of entrepreneurs, software developers and business leaders set on changing the way merchants and consumers connect, communicate and transact.  PayWith develops mobile payment and rewards-based technologies deigned to enable consumers to simply and securely "PayWith" their smartphone.  Consumers get instant rewards, rebates, and incentives over and above traditional credit card points every time they use the PayWith app.  Merchants get a less expensive, highly secure payment solution incorporating tools for social media marketing, targeted local marketing, customer relationship management, mobile gift cards, and more. PayWith's development team is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with mobile transactions and developing new, innovative tools to help businesses connect and communicate more effectively with their consumers.

SOURCE: PayWith Worldwide Inc.

Robert MacLean, Public Affairs, PayWith, 403-589-3631, [email protected]; Rob Whittle, CMO, PayWith Worldwide, 604-816-9723, [email protected]