VANCOUVER, Aug. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Central 1 Credit Union (Central 1) is pleased to announce the appointment of Arvind Sharma to the role of Chief Digital and Payments Officer, effective September 24, 2018.

With a career history of working within financial institutions as well as their service providers, and a specialization in design thinking and agile principles, Sharma brings significant experience from a range of financial institutions and technology providers, including Manulife, D+H, Vertex Data Sciences, and CIBC.

“Arvind has a deep understanding of designing and building fully integrated, end to end digital origination platforms, and leading financial institutions in adopting these for optimum customer experience,” said Mark Blucher, CEO, Central 1. “His experience in developing and implementing digital strategy and technology solutions positions him perfectly to support Central 1’s drive to create a competitive edge for our clients through design excellence, market-leading speed and innovation, and extensive stakeholder engagement and partnership.”

Sharma will lead Central 1’s Digital & Payments Services, delivering integrated solutions to credit unions, other financial institutions and businesses across Canada, creating a competitive edge for users through client-centred design, market-leading speed and innovation, and proactive stakeholder engagement and partnerships.

With more than 20 years’ experience across retail and institutional payments and technology, Sharma is known for his ability to drive top line and bottom line results, while identifying and balancing operations and technology with enterprise strategy.

Prior to his time in his most recent role as VP, IT Individual Insurance and Manulife Bank & Trust at Manulife Financial, Sharma has held the roles of VP Innovation and Customer Value at D+H; and was the VP Product and New Business Development at Marlborough Stirling, a subsidiary of Vertex Data Sciences.  He holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario (Richard Ivey School of Business), and a Bachelor of Applied Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto.

“This is a great opportunity to build on the exceptional customer experience that credit unions and other clients provide to Canadians by creating leading edge solutions that help them thrive in a constantly and rapidly evolving industry,” said Sharma.

In addition to CEO Mark Blucher, Sharma joins Central 1’s executive leadership team of Richard Beed, SVP Human Resources; Brent Clode, Chief Investment Officer; Buffy Duke, SVP Client Development; David Finnie, Chief Risk Officer; and Marilyn Mauritz, Chief Transformation and Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary.

About Central 1

Central 1 is a preferred partner for financial, digital banking and payment products and services – fuelling the success of businesses across Canada. With $19.5 billion in assets, we leverage our scale, strength and expertise to power progress for more than 300 credit unions and other financial institutions, enhancing the financial well-being of more than 3.4 million customers from coast to coast. For more information, visit central1.com.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimates of future events. These include, without limitation, statements containing the words “may,” “will,” “intends” and “anticipates” and other similar words and expressions.  Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Securityholders are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Certain important assumptions by Central 1 in making forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, competitive conditions, economic conditions and regulatory considerations. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include economic risks, regulatory risks and other risks detailed from time to time in Central 1’s periodic reports filed with securities regulators. Given these risks, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Central 1 undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

Media Contact:

Nicole Adams Director, Member & External Communications Tel: 604.714.6581 Email: communications@central1.com