J. Carlos Ruiz
President, Board of Directors Chairman
J. Carlos Ruiz founded First Payment International (FPi) in 2003 and currently assumes the role of President/Board of Directors Chairman FPi.
A results-oriented leader with a proven record of success in maximizing earnings by focusing on a company’s foundational strengths.
He is known by his customers, managers, staff and contemporaries as having uncompromising integrity, ingenuity, vision, and commitment, all topped off with a winning attitude.
Prior to founding FPi, Carlos worked for over 13 years at American Express in their Integrated Payment Systems (IPS) division, which was later spun-off to become First Data Corporation (FDC) MoneyGram. While working for FDC/MoneyGram, Carlos was responsible for the ongoing management of partner account relationships as well as the organization’s sales agents in his assigned territory.
During his tenure with FDC/MoneyGram, Carlos was part of the team which pioneered the system for wiring funds worldwide and domestic utility bill payments.
Rob Ayers – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Rob Ayers fills the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) with FPi.
Highly experienced in the global financial services payments industry he has, over the last 20 years, spent time with Chartwell Compliance, World Remit, ChoiceMoney Transfer, Coinstar Money Transfer and Travelex Money Transfer.
In 1987, Rob founded and developed the MoneyGram money transfer service as part of the American Express service suite. During his tenure the business’ revenue grew from $0- 200 million per year.
Rob graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from University of Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree in Marketing. Since 2010 he has been deeply involved with the Habitat for Humanity where he is Vice Chair of the Habitat Interfaith Alliance and a member of their Corporate Development Team.
ADVISORY
Wendy Ruiz – Advisory Board Member, Operations
Wendy Ruiz is a major stakeholder in FPi and plays a key role in its development.
With over 10 years of experience in the financial and payments industry, Wendy has extensive expertise in policy structures, procedure implementation, and vendor management. Her no-nonsense, professional approach, combined with her deep industry knowledge, ensures FPi’s operations stay on track.
Wendy graduated from Metro State University in Denver, Colorado
Rehan Ahmed – Advisory Board Member, Emerging and International Markets
Rehan was as an International Manager for FDC/MoneyGram for much of his career and responsible for developing, expanding, and promoting electronic funds transfer services worldwide.
Recognized by his peers as an accomplished Business Development and Account Management professional he was the spearhead of the promotion and development of financial products and service availability to large and small business clients.
Rehan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Mathematics & Geography from the University of Karachi, Pakistan and later received an additional Degree in Business Management and Accounting from the Barnes Business School.