What does it take to build a high-performing IT organization from scratch while navigating a carve-out, preparing for IPO, and pivoting into acquisition?
In this episode of Technovation, Kirk Ball, Chief Information Officer at Worldpay, shares his 15-month journey leading digital transformation, tech modernization, and cultural reinvention at a global payments company doing business in 135+ countries.
Ball reflects on the leadership decisions, cloud strategies, and AI integration efforts that helped stand up a scalable, resilient tech function, even as plans shifted from IPO to M&A.
Key Highlights:
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How Kirk tripled Worldpay’s IT team post-spinout from FIS
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Where AI is driving internal productivity and enterprise search
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What it takes to build tech culture through transparency and inclusion
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How to lead through uncertainty—while keeping operations stable
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The CIO’s role in M&A readiness, from day one to long-term integration
