Payments network Swift has hired David Watson in a newly-created strategic relationship director role based in New York.

Watson joins from a 16-year stint at Deutsche Bank, where he most recently served as managing director and head of cash management for the Americas.

Prior to this, he held many senior roles at the bank, such as head of product development for Deutsche’s transaction banking business.

In his new role Watson will take responsibility for Swift’s growth in North America, working across the company’s product portfolio. He will report to David Scola, acting CEO of the Americas and UK region.

Watson has served on Swift’s corporate advisory group since 2011.

The hire follows Swift promoting its Americas and UK chief executive Javier Pérez-Tasso to the post of CEO, effective July 1.

He replaced Gottfried Leibbrandt, who announced his decision to step down in December 2018 after seven years in the role.