Direct carrier biller Boku Inc. has elevated its chief business officer, Jon Prideaux, as its new chief executive in a move to hasten its expansion in Europe and Asia, according to The Wall Street Journal's Venture Capital Dispatch blog:

Backed with at least $75 million in venture funding and generating $195 million in 2012 revenue — the last year the company would disclose — Boku is among the larger players in the crowded and fast-evolving mobile payments space.

Mr. Prideaux replaces CEO Mark Britto, who becomes executive chairman and will lead engineering and product efforts from the company’s San Francisco office. Mr. Prideaux, who has served as chief business officer at Boku from the London office since 2012, said his new title formalizes existing responsibilities and will enable the company to focus on dealmaking outside the U.S.

“Having a CEO located in London is a lot more convenient for what’s happening in Europe and Asia,” he said. He indicated several deals are in the works but declined to provide details.

Direct carrier billing allows consumers to purchase digital goods and services using only their mobile phone number. Boku customers enter their phone number to check out, then respond via SMS to confirm the payment. The charge appears on their wireless bill.