WEX Inc. has named Melissa D. Smith company president and said she will assume the role of chief executive officer, and maintain her duties as president, on Jan. 1, 2014. The company said this change is part of a management transition plan that’s in line with the company’s board’s succession planning process.

Michael E. Dubyak will remain chairman and CEO during this transition. After Smith takes on the role of CEO, Dubyak will move into the newly created role of executive chairman of the board at WEX.

WEX said Smith joined the company in 1997 and most recently served as president, The Americas. She has been a member of WEX’s senior leadership team for the past 12 years and has 16 years of experience in the payments space. The company said she will work with Dubyak during the transition period and handle strategic planning for 2014 and later years.