Michael D. Capellas

Michael D. Capellas

"A 30-year veteran of the IT industry, Michael Capellas became First Data’s chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) upon the close of the acquisition of First Data by an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) in September 2007.

"Prior to joining First Data, Capellas was a two-time, former CEO of Compaq Computer Corporation and MCI and a recognized global thought leader in the technology space. He began his career with Schlumberger Limited and went on to hold senior management positions at Schlumberger as well as Oracle Corporation and SAP Americas. He joined Compaq in 1998 as their chief information officer and was named chairman and CEO in July 1999. After the merger with HP, Capellas served as president of HP. In 2002, he accepted the challenge of leading MCI (then WorldCom) through the largest corporate reorganization in history. For three years, he served as MCI’s president and CEO and oversaw the successful rebuilding of the company. Turnaround completed, Verizon Communications ultimately acquired MCI in 2006.

"Post MCI, Capellas has been serving as a senior advisor to Silver Lake Partners, an investment firm that focuses on large scale investments in technology and related industries.

"Capellas serves on the board of directors of Cisco Systems, Inc. and the national board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Kent State University."