First Data Corporation, the global leader in payment technology and services solutions, today announced that global business executive and influential leader, R.K. Sehgal, has joined the First Data International Advisory Board.

Seeking to strengthen its presence in key regions around the world, First Data announced earlier this year the establishment of the International Advisory Board to expand First Data’s footprint in new and existing markets. The Board will be comprised of outstanding leaders of the global business community who will advise on products, services and programs designed to help First Data clients grow their businesses.

An accomplished and widely regarded executive, Sehgal is one of the most prominent business leaders in the U.S. Sehgal was the former Commissioner of Georgia, Industry, Trade and Tourism and is the founder of Tour de Georgia. He served as CEO and Chairman of Law Companies, the second largest engineering consulting company in the world with 60 offices in the U.S. and 40 abroad.

“We are honored to have someone with such astute business acumen and influential global experience as R.K. join us as the transformation of First Data continues around the world,” said Sanjiv Das, executive vice president and head of First Data’s International Regions.

During his distinguished career, Sehgal has been a consultant with DaimlerChrysler, a billion-dollar multinational beverage company, and several state governments in the U.S. and India. In 1994, Sehgal traveled with President Clinton to Jordan and Israel for the signing of the historic peace agreement. 

Sehgal was selected by Inc. Magazine as Entrepreneur of the Year in 1988, and he has graced the cover of several other business and engineering magazines. In 2000, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in Atlanta. 

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Primacy Industries International, India, and on the Board of the Northside Hospital, the Carter Center, and Southern Center for International Studies in Atlanta.

“First Data has created an enviable and exciting position for itself at the nexus of commerce,” Sehgal said. “I’m looking forward to be able to participate in the next chapter of First Data’s history as it brings its innovations to its clients in markets around the world.”