“I am delighted to welcome Arne to American Express,” said Thomas Schick, executive vice president of Corporate Affairs and Communications. “He is a creative strategist, a compelling advocate and an effective leader. He also has a proven ability to work with people from across the full spectrum of political views and is highly respected in Washington policy circles.”

As senior vice president, Government Affairs, Mr. Christenson will lead the development and implementation of the company’s federal government affairs agenda. He will provide counsel to senior executives on a broad range of legislative, regulatory and public policy issues, and will represent the company in public forums on topics of interest to the business. He will officially join American Express in February.

Mr. Christenson most recently served as senior vice president for Regulatory Policy at Fannie Mae. In this role, he managed Fannie Mae’s relationship with federal regulators and developed the company’s policy positions in areas including financial markets, the regulation and governance of financial institutions, and the expansion of affordable housing.

Prior to joining Fannie Mae in 1999, Mr. Christenson served as chief of staff to then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich. Before this, he served as chief of staff to former Congressman Vin Weber, a member of the House Leadership, and as legislative director for former Senator Rudy Boshwitz. He also served as chief lobbyist for the public advocacy group American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Mr. Christenson is a graduate of St. Olaf College.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.