Johnson Named PCI Security Standards Council Executive Director

The PCI Security Standards Council named Lance J. Johnson to the executive director position. Johnson, who had been chief operating officer at Sequent Software Inc. for the past five years and spent 20 years at Visa Inc., replaces Stephen W. Orfei, the general manager who left earlier this year after joining the organization in 2014 following the retirement of Bob Russo, the council’s original general manager.

Johnson starts the position in mid-January, a council spokesperson says. In a press release, the council says its executives and Johnson will not be available for interviews until late January.

Johnson’s appointment comes six months after Orfei’s departure from the PCI council, which told its members in June about that action. Orfei’s departure was not made public until October when a payments-technology provider said he joined its advisory board.

“Lance is a proven leader who has the unique background of both creating and implementing PCI Security Standards,” said Karen Czack, chair of the PCI SSC executive committee in the press release. “Lance is familiar with the Council, having previously served on its Executive Committee and brings payment security subject matter expertise and a proven track record of developing strategy and driving results.”

Johnson, in a press release, said he was humbled by the upcoming position. “The PCI Security Standards are recognized around the globe as the gold standard for securing payment card data,” Johnson said. “As new payment platforms are developed and adopted at a remarkable rate, it is more important than ever that payment security standards keep pace. The opportunities that lie ahead for the PCI Council are enormous, and I look forward to leading this next chapter in payment security standards development.”