Contis Group has appointed Colin Greaves as business development consultant to drive forward their major expansion programme.

A recognised innovator in the European prepaid cards market, Colin is the founder and former head of Newcastle Card Services, and former CEO and chairman at prepaid card and e-money service provider Transact Network Limited.

In his new role at Contis Group, Colin will assist in the rapid deployment of end-to-end solutions for prepaid cards throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in addition to expanding the group’s roster of high profile retail and financial clients. The appointment follows a three-year programme of investment in prepaid capabilities.

On his appointment Greaves said: “Contis has consistently set the highest professional standards and demonstrates considerable vision in the prepaid sector, putting clients’ needs at the centre of its card and payment solutions and providing them with a single touch-point for total programme responsibility. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a formidable force in the industry.”

Peter Cox, founder and executive chairman of Contis Group added: “Colin is a prepaid pioneer, his vast experience, industry knowledge and well-established relationships with MasterCard, Visa and other international companies will give our industry leading management team a distinct advantage. The appointment is key to our ambitious expansion plans and we expect to announce agreements with several major new clients over the coming months.”

Contis Group is a Principal Member of Visa Europe, and expects to have its processing platform fully certified by Visa early in 2012.