SAN FRANCISCO: Visa USA has named Douglas Michelman as its EVP of corporate relations, replacing Barie Carmichael, who resigned in late November.
Michelman, who begins in January, is currently a senior partner and West Coast regional president at Fleishman-Hillard.
"This move is about personal growth," said Michelman. "Visa is one of the world's great brands. And this is an opportunity to make an impact at a new level - to set a communications agenda to grow the business."
Carmichael, who joined Visa a year ago, said she was leaving to spend time with her husband and daughter in Virginia.
"I want to get back and reintroduce myself to my family." said Carmichael, who presided over a recent RFP that moved Visa's PR from Ketchum to Golin/Harris International.
Until Michelman arrives, SVP of corporate relations Albert Coscia will oversee Visa's PR team. At Fleishman, Richard Kline, a senior partner and regional president who oversees Canada and Latin America, will become interim West Coast regional president.
