American Express named as president Ed Gilligan, effective immediately.

Gilligan, who served most recently as American Express vice chairman and who does not replace any official in assuming the title of president, will continue to report to Amex chairman and CEO Kenneth Chenault. Gilligan joined the company in 1980 and has held several executive positions, including business unit president of commercial card and business travel for the United States and head of the company's business-to-business group, responsible for relationships with merchants, corporations and bank partners globally. "Under [Gilligan's] leadership, we've brought the global network and card groups closer together to enhance the way we deliver value to card members and build business for merchants," according to Chenault.