TSYS today announced that Patricia A. Watson, a 17-year veteran of the financial services industry, has been named senior executive vice president and chief information officer effective September 14.

“Patty is well respected throughout the financial services industry, brings an impressive roster of skills and successes, is a demonstrated leader and clearly reflects the heart of TSYS as a concerned and active advocate for the people in her community and the world,” said M. Troy Woods, chairman, president and chief executive officer, TSYS. “I am thrilled to welcome her to the TSYS executive leadership team, and I know she will set the enterprise technology agenda to enable and deliver future global growth at TSYS.”

Watson comes to TSYS with more than 17 years of experience in the financial services industry serving in a variety of technology-related roles. Most recently she has served as vice president and global CIO for The Brinks Company, based in Coppell, Texas. Prior to joining Brinks, Watson worked with Bank of America for more than 14 years in a number of technology positions with increasing responsibility, including the role of senior technology executive for the bank’s treasury, payments and credit area.

Watson earned her bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Saint Mary’s College at Notre Dame in Indiana, and is also a graduate of the University of Dayton in Ohio, where she received her Master of Business Administration. Watson spent 10 years serving in the United States Air Force as executive staff officer, flight commander and director of operations.

Watson will report to Woods. She succeeds Ken Tye, who, during his 44-year career with the company, created the strategic direction that drives TSYS’ market-leading technology solutions for the payments industry.