Inside Bobby Leibrock’s first 100 days as ACI Worldwide CFO

Core Insights - ACI Worldwide is perceived as undervalued and underappreciated despite its long-standing service in the banking and payments industry, with a cultural reboot underway to modernize and drive growth [2][5] - The new CFO, Bobby Leibrock, emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication in establishing credibility with investors and employees during his initial days [7][8] - ACI is focusing on leveraging technology, particularly AI, to enhance predictive and analytical capabilities within its finance function [19][20][21] Company Overview - ACI Worldwide has been serving banks and customers globally for nearly 50 years, showcasing impressive scale but lacking recognition from investors and customers [2] - The company is currently undergoing a cultural transformation aimed at growth and modernization, reminiscent of Red Hat's evolution in the past [2][5] Leadership and Strategy - Bobby Leibrock brings two decades of experience from IBM, including leadership roles in finance and operations, which positions him well to guide ACI through its transformation [6][9] - The CFO's approach includes engaging with investors and analysts to gather feedback, which informs communication strategies and prioritizes transparency [7][8] Operational Focus - ACI is in the midst of a three-year strategic plan and budget cycle, indicating a fast-paced environment with no downtime for the new leadership [8] - The CFO believes in the importance of operational excellence, which encompasses both quantitative measures like reliable reporting and qualitative influence in decision-making [23][25] Technology Integration - ACI is committed to enhancing its technology foundation, particularly through AI, to improve decision-making and operational efficiency [19][20] - The focus is on using technology not just for automation but to free up resources for strategic thinking, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the finance function [21][25]