Skrill targets US push after reshuffle

Online payments provider Skrill has announced the appointment of Joe Hall as vice president sales for its US arm as the firm looks to capitalise on the opening up of the US market.

Hall, formerly vice president for Leisure and Entertainment at Skrill, has been with the company since January 2011 and in his new role will report to CEO of Skrill USA Neil Steinhardt, who was appointed in March, and senior vice president of sales and marketing Craig Doyle.

Hall’s previous position was taken up today by Paul Barclay who has been at Worldpay since 2000.

Skrill, formerly known as Moneybookers, has recently been building a foothold in the US market and has received money transmitter licenses in a number of states including California. The firm has also gained approval from the Department of Gaming Enforcement to provide payment services to operators when the New Jersey market opens in November.

Siegfried Heimgaertner, president and Skrill Group CEO, said the payments provider is now in a strong position for growth in the US.

“Our market position means we’re best-placed to take advantage of the positively changing online gambling landscape in the USA, which is great news for our customers,” he said. “It’s another commitment to our mission; to help merchants and customers pay and get paid globally, as seamlessly, quickly and cheaply as possible, while complying with all relevant laws and legislation.”

Skrill, which was founded in 2011, bought prepaid voucher business Paysafecard in February for a total consideration of up to €140m, which Heimgaertner described at the time as “a strategically important acquisition”. Skrill also recently became the title sponsor of the Football Conference as part of a three-year deal.