CPP Card Protection Plan, which is planning to bring 750 jobs to York within five years, has appointed a customer services director.

Customer services director Stephen West will be responsible for CPP's operation.

Winchester-born Stephen West, who will be based in the city, is responsible for CPP's operations at the former Adtranz building, near Thrall Europa's freight wagon factory.

This is until a modern building can be constructed on four acres elsewhere on the site.

CPP, which starts operating from York on Monday, March 15, is Europe's leading credit card company, registering the cards of 4.5 million people, issued by major banks, building societies and shops.

The 15 staff, expected to grow by 150 by the end of the year, will be taking calls from 9am on the Ides of March.

Mr West started his career with British Rail as an engineer in signalling and telecoms. "I worked my way up through the semi-conductor business and computer support," he said. " Seven years ago I went to Mercury Communications, as customer service area. I stayed for five years, then went to credit reference information agency Equifax Europe two years ago."

CPP, which started in 1980, and operates in the UK, Germany and Spain, now has 4.5 million policy holders. It is growing at an annual rate of 40 per cent.

Mr West plans to bring enthusiasm and an ability to grow the business. "I want to join the communities of London and York - two distinct geographical locations - working as one virtual centre," he said.

Those seeking employment with CPP should contact Esther Shaw on 01904 882113 for an information pack.

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