Global technology and payments processing company First Data today announced that Chip Swearngan has joined the company as senior vice president of communications. He will be responsible for global public relations, executive communications, employee communications, and industry analyst relations.

With extensive knowledge of the payments industry, Swearngan joins First Data most recently from Metavante Corporation, where he led the company’s public relations, corporate and employee communications, advertising, branding, and web channel functions.

Prior to his 10-year tenure at Metavante, Swearngan worked at Edelman Public Relations New York, where he helped lead the reputation management campaign for the Ericsson Corporation, and directed agency-based investor relations programs for 35 biotechnology, medical technology, and pharmaceutical companies throughout the U.S.

“Chip is a seasoned public relations professional with strong B2B agency account management and corporate PR experience, including global reputation management, strategic development, and execution of external communications programs,” says Grace Trent, executive vice president of communications at First Data. “We’re extremely excited to have him lead our global communications initiative and welcome him to the First Data management team.”

Swearngan will be based out of First Data’s global headquarters in Atlanta.