Alliance Data Systems Corp. said it named former Citigroup executive Ralph Andretta as its new president and CEO starting in February 2020.

Andretta, who was managing editor and head of Citigroup's U.S. card business, succeeds Marisa Miller, who assumed the role following the June retirement of long-time president and CEO Ed Hefferman. 

For more than a year, the company has gone through an enterprise-wide assessment of its business under a strategic transformation plan, which included making necessary changes in its leadership structure, according to Shelley Widdon, vice president, public affairs at Alliance Data. 

"During an extensive search for a newly created chief operating officer position in our card services business, the board identified a global financial services executive with a breadth and depth of credit card industry knowledge, operational leadership strength and financial expertise who represents an exceptional fit for Alliance Data's immediate strategic needs, as well as for our ongoing business transformation," Widdon told Mobile Payments Today, via email. 

Alliance Data manages more than 160 branded credit programs for brands ranging from Wayfair, Pottery Barn and Ulta Beauty among others. Just last week, Alliance Data signed a multi-year deal with Sony Rewards to manage the card business for Sony and PlayStation Credit Cards. 

Cover image: Alliance Data.