DENVER — Western Union has concluded its search for a new chief communications officer by hiring former Gap corporate affairs head Bill Chandler.

Chandler takes on a role that has been vacant since last year, when Luella Chavez D'Angelo departed the financial services company. He reports EVP Elizabeth G. Chambers who, as chief strategy and product Officer, is responsible for the company’s strategy, product, marketing and communications.

"Bill is an accomplished strategic communicator who brings a wealth of experience to Western Union from a variety of industries and sectors," said Chambers. "He’ll play an integral role in helping us build our brand, sharing our long and growing track record of product and channel innovation in the cross-border payments space."

Chandler spent 11 years at Gap, overseeing communications as the company expanded internationally from 12 to 50 countries, acquired new brands, and developed its digital channels and services. He also orchestrated the creation of an alliance of more than two dozen American retailers to assist factory workers in Bangladesh.

At Western Union, he leads the global communications organization and serves as the key media spokesperson for the company. "With the execution of our digital strategy and focus on our core business, it’s an exciting time to join a truly purpose-driven company, and help raise the visibility and standing of the brand worldwide," he said.

Since leaving Gap in 2015, Chandler has been working as a consultant. Before Gap, he held senior client roles at Charles Schwab and DirectTV.

His arrival comes as Western Union reviews its global PR support, as revealed by the Holmes Report earlier this month. At the time, the company declined to disclose details of his hire.