SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Encore Capital Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECPG), an international specialty finance company, announced today the appointment of Barbara J. Kennedy as senior vice president of Human Resources. Kennedy succeeds Steve Gonabe, who will be retiring in the third quarter of 2014.

Kennedy will be responsible for human resources globally, including talent acquisition and management, employee relations, total rewards, and developing and implementing a wide range of department initiatives that align with Encore's business objectives.

"We are excited to welcome Barbara to our team. We cannot be a great company without great people, and her proven success in human resources management will help ensure that we have the most qualified, engaged workforce possible both here in the U.S. and at our locations around the world," said Ken Vecchione, president and CEO of Encore. "At the same time, we want to recognize Steve, who has been instrumental in our company's success over a period of incredible expansion. We thank him for his leadership and we wish him all the best in his retirement."

Kennedy joins Encore after more than five years at United Stationers Supply Company where she was senior vice president of Human Resources. During that time, she also served on the Board of Directors for the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC), the Novo Group and Meals On Wheels. Prior to United Stationers, Kennedy spent nine years with Swift Transportation Company, Inc. where she most recently served as executive vice president, Human Resources, Safety, Recruiting and Driver Services. Before Swift, she held various management positions in human resources at Barr-Nunn Transportation. Kennedy received her Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

"This is such an exciting time to be joining Encore," said Kennedy. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to expand upon the great work that has already been done and to use my over 20 years of experience in human resources to attract and retain a great, global team."

Encore has a strong commitment to its people, and the company and its subsidiaries have received numerous workplace accolades. Encore has twice been recognized as "San Diego's Healthiest Company" by the San Diego Business Journal, and the company's India operation has been selected for three straight years as one of "India's Best Companies to Work For" by the Great Place to Work Institute. In Texas, Propel Financial Services has also been named for three years to the "Top Work Places" list by the San Antonio Express-News, and U.K. and Ireland-based Cabot Financial Services was included in the Sunday Times' "100 Best Companies to Work For – 2013."

About Encore Capital Group, Inc.  
Encore Capital Group, an international specialty finance company with operations spanning seven countries, provides debt recovery solutions for consumers and property owners across a broad range of assets. Through its subsidiaries, the Company purchases portfolios of consumer receivables from major banks, credit unions, and utility providers, and partners with individuals as they repay their obligations and work toward financial recovery. Through its Propel Financial Services subsidiary, the Company assists property owners who are delinquent on their property taxes by structuring affordable monthly payment plans and purchases delinquent tax liens directly from selected taxing authorities. Through its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Cabot Credit Management and Marlin Financial Services, the Company is a market-leading acquirer and manager of consumer debt in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Through its Refinancia subsidiary, the Company services distressed consumer debt in Colombia and Peru. Encore's success and future growth are driven by its sophisticated and widespread use of analytics, its broad investments in data and behavioral science, the significant cost advantages provided by its highly efficient operating model and proven investment strategy, and the Company's demonstrated commitment to conducting business ethically and in ways that support its consumers' financial recovery.

Headquartered in San Diego, Encore is a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock of the Russell 2000, the S&P SmallCap 600, and the Wilshire 4500. More information about the Company can be found at www.encorecapital.com. More information about the Company's Cabot Credit Management subsidiary can be found at www.cabotcm.com.

Media Contact:
Katie Lilley, Hillenby
703-722-3061
katielilley@hillenby.com

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SOURCE Encore Capital Group, Inc.