MoneyGram has announced the appointment of Josh Gordon-Blake as Chief Digital Officer to amplify momentum, spearheading digital strategy with a focus on the growth and global expansion of MoneyGram Online (MGO).
MoneyGram Online serves millions of consumers worldwide, offering the ability to send money, both domestically and internationally, through its payment networks with over 5 billion digital endpoints and 440,000 retail locations. The fintech platform also enables users to pay bills online or buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies.
Reporting directly to Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Josh Gordon-Blake will serve on the Executive Leadership Team and will lead all current and future facets of the MGO platform, including core remittance services, cryptocurrency integration, and upcoming product launches and innovations.
Gordon-Blake will oversee initiatives to accelerate customer acquisition, elevate customer experience, and build long-term loyalty.
Josh Gordon-Blake joins MoneyGram after co-founding Pangea
Gordon-Blake joins MoneyGram after co-founding Pangea, a London-based fintech company providing cross-border payment solutions, particularly for businesses in emerging markets, catering to the needs of firms that operate across different countries and currencies. Under his leadership, Pangea achieved significant growth, culminating in its successful acquisition by Enova International in 2021.
Beyond his operational expertise, Josh is active in the venture capital community, serving as an angel investor and founding Limited Partner at Rally Cap Ventures, an early-stage fund focused on fintech investments in emerging markets.
Alex Holmes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at MoneyGram, said: “We’re excited to welcome Josh to the MoneyGram team and utilize his breadth of experience to fast-track the growth of our modern fintech platform and suite of digital products and services. With his impressive track record in fintech innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, I am confident that Josh will not only build on our outstanding progress but also propel us to new heights of success.”
Josh Gordon-Blake, Chief Digital Officer at MoneyGram, commented: “I am thrilled to take on this new role at MoneyGram, a company at the forefront of digital innovation, driving global connectivity through its cutting-edge website and mobile app. The opportunities ahead, fueled by best-in-class technology, existing international reach, and scalable infrastructure, are immense. I look forward to working with this talented team to deliver digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers globally.”
Josh Gordon-Blake replaces Seth Ross
Josh Gordon-Blake will be replacing Seth Ross, who joined MoneyGram as Chief Digital Officer last year and left last month. Ross announced his departure on LinkedIn: “I wanted to share the news with my extended network that I am starting a new chapter, and announcing my departure as Chief Digital Officer at MoneyGram International. I have learned a ton from my time here, and I’m grateful for the privilege of working alongside this hardworking and talented team […] Thank you all for your support and best wishes to the MoneyGram team for continued success!”
Seth Ross joined MoneyGram to lead the firm’s direct-to-consumer business and global digital strategy. Prior to that, he was General Manager of Ceridian’s Dayforce Wallet and Consumer Services. At the human capital management firm, he provided the vision and leadership for the company’s consumer app that enables on-demand access to wages. He helped to successfully extend the platform into new business-to-consumer markets around the world. His career includes leading the Banking-as-a-Service business of Green Dot Corporation as well as multiple executive roles at American Express. Ross also worked as a strategy consultant for nearly a decade.
Gary W. Ferrera joined MoneyGram as Chief Financial Officer
MoneyGram recently appointed Gary W. Ferrera as Chief Financial Officer to lead all aspects of finance, accounting, tax, and treasury, reporting directly to Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and CEO.
Gary W. Ferrera’s extensive international financial expertise includes nearly two decades as a CFO, primarily with publicly traded companies. He most recently served as CFO of Driven Brands, the largest automotive services company in North America. Prior to that role, he served as CFO of both Skillsoft and Cardtronics. Ferrera succeeds Larry Angelilli, who recently announced his retirement.
MoneyGram announced non-custodial wallet
MoneyGram announced a non-custodial digital wallet in 2023. This new wallet seeks to empower its global consumer base by utilizing stablecoin technology. The primary objective is to facilitate seamless transitions between fiat and digital currencies. With this digital wallet, users can convert their digital assets to fiat at any participating MoneyGram outlet, enhancing the utility of their digital holdings. In addition, users can effortlessly transfer digital assets to other wallet users.
The standout feature of this digital wallet is MoneyGram’s decision to implement its renowned global compliance screening for all wallet users, setting a new industry standard. This new digital wallet operates on the Stellar network, incorporating MoneyGram’s fiat services within the Stellar ecosystem. The development credit for this wallet goes to Cheesecake Labs in collaboration with MoneyGram.
