Man assume leadership role in payments department at DSV.
**DSV Group Appoints Alexander von Balduin as Head of Payments Division**
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its payment services, the DSV Group, a central service provider for the Sparkassen financial group based in Stuttgart, Germany, has announced the appointment of Alexander von Balduin as the new leader of its payment division. The change will take effect from January 1, 2025.
Von Balduin, currently responsible for payments at the German retail conglomerate Schwarz (including Lidl and Kaufland), will oversee the Händlergeschäft (merchant business) of the group. His role will involve managing and developing strategies for payment services, which are essential for merchants and e-commerce businesses.
The appointment comes at a time when the division faces significant challenges, with the payment service provider Payone, in which DSV has a stake, currently in crisis. Der Spiegel accused Payone of processing payments for shady dating and porn sites, causing the share price of the parent company Worldline to plummet. However, the Sparkassen have no plans to sell their shares in Payone.
One of the key challenges that von Balduin will face in his new role is navigating the highly competitive payment services market, which is populated by numerous established players and fintech startups. Ensuring regulatory compliance, especially in light of evolving regulations such as the Payment Services Directive (PSD2) in Europe, will also be crucial.
Another challenge lies in the digital transformation and innovation of payment solutions. The demand for seamless and secure digital payment solutions is increasing, and the division will need to invest in technology to meet these demands, including the integration of emerging technologies like blockchain or AI.
Security and fraud prevention will remain critical challenges, with the rise of online transactions. Balduin will need to implement robust security measures to protect transactions and customer data. Lastly, if the DSV Group aims to expand its payment services across different regions, integrating systems and processes efficiently while maintaining high standards of service will be crucial.
Stefan G. Reuß, chairman of the DSV shareholders' assembly and CEO of the Sparkassen and Giroverband Hessen-Thüringen, praised the new addition to the DSV management team. Michael Stollarz and Stefan Roesler, who are already part of the DSV management team, will support von Balduin in his new role. Roesler has been promoted to deputy chairman following the departure of Sven Korschinowski, a long-serving KPMG partner, who left the DSV management team at the end of 2024 after just over a year.
The DSV Group's payment division will undoubtedly benefit from von Balduin's extensive experience in complex corporate structures, having previously worked for Celesio AG and TUI before joining Schwarz. His strategic approach and innovative thinking will be essential in driving growth and innovation within the division.
Alexander von Balduin's expertise in the payments industry, gained from his previous roles at Celesio AG and TUI, will be instrumental in driving strategic growth within the DSV Group's payments division, which is a crucial component of the finance and business sectors. His responsibilities will involve managing and developing payment strategies for merchants and e-commerce businesses, as well as navigating challenges in the highly competitive payment services market.
