Financial messaging network Swift has named Lázaro Campos as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Leonard Schrank who is stepping down in April after 15 years in the role.
Campos, 43, a Spanish national and Swift executive committee member of seven-years standing, was the firm favourite to succeed Schrank.
Campos originally joined Swift in 1987, with postings in education and standards. He served as manager, FIN products and value added services from 1993 until 1995 when he became director of market infrastructure services, with responsibility for multiple projects, including Echo, Chaps Euro, EBA Clearing and Target.
From 1998 until 2000 Campos served as director of treasury markets, where he managed the CLS project for Swift. He was then appointed head of marketing where he lead the Swift 2006 strategy initiative. In October 2003 he became head of the banking industry division.
Before joining Swift Campos served in the international division of Banc Agricol.
Commenting on the appointment, Yawar Shah, the recently-installed chairman of the Swift board, says: "His (Campos) 20 years of service at Swift and market expertise will ensure continuity as Swift implements its 2010 strategy."
Campos will officially take over from Schrank - who is Swift's longest serving CEO - on 23 April 2007, following a two-month handover.