Ersek began his career in financial services in 1986 at Europay / MasterCardinAustria. In 1996, he joined GE Capital, and also represented the GE Corporation as a National Executive in Austria and Slovenia before he joined The Western Union Company.[2]
Hikmet Ersek is the former Chief Executive Officer and Director of The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) [2010-2021], announcing his retirement in December 2021. He was replaced by Devin McGranahan former Group President of Fiserv (NYSE: FISV).[4]
During Ersek's tenure as CEO, which began in 2010, Western Union has diversified its business model into a digital global payments company, growing its retail money-transfer business to more than 550,000 worldwide locations, over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks, and connecting billions of bank accounts and mobile wallets worldwide.[citation needed]
As of Dec 31, 2020, the company's share price performance during Ersek's mandate has increased by 61% (underperforming the S&P500 that rose by 232% over the same timeframe)[5]
Ersek has maintained a base salary of $1 million for the last three years ending 2017.[6]
In 2018, Ersek experienced a 6% decrease in full pay to $9,175,300.[7]
He is married to Dr. Nayantara Ghosh Ersek,[2] a management consultant and trainer. He has one son, Benan Ersek, who is a current basketball player for the University of Colorado Boulder.