TAMPA — Syniverse, the Tampa-based company that knits together the world's mobile communications networks, has hired a 26-year veteran of the FBI as its chief security and risk officer, effective today.

Prior to joining Syniverse, Philip Celestini most recently worked as special agent in charge of the intelligence division at the FBI's Washington field office. He previously served as a section chief in the cyber division at FBI headquarters and as the agency's senior representative to the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command.

Syniverse connects 7 billion mobile devices, processing billions of transactions a day and settling approximately $15 billion annually for mobile service providers. Last month, the company launched Secure Global Access, a private, secure network designed to allow businesses worldwide to safeguard transactions like those needed to support the internet of things — the evolving network of interconnected and data-exchanging devices, including household appliances, vehicles and other commonplace objects.

"The focus on security and managing risk that Syniverse stresses for its solutions and operations is impressive,' Celstini said in a statement released through the company. "The recent launch of the Secure Global Access network clearly reinforces Syniverse's strong commitment to staying in front of a constantly evolving online threat environment, especially in light of emerging technologies" like the internet of things, 5G wireless technology and rich communications services.

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