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:

How Kirk tripled Worldpay’s IT team post-spinout from FIS

Where AI is driving internal productivity and enterprise search

What it takes to build tech culture through transparency and inclusion

How to lead through uncertainty—while keeping operations stable

The CIO’s role in M&A readiness, from day one to long-term integration