Each year, MasterCard processes more than a trillion dollars worth of credit card transactions between its 25,000 millions acceptance locations in 210 countries worldwide. Net revenues for 2007 year were $4.1 billion, a 22 percent increase versus the same period in 2006. Information technology drives all MasterCard's three card business services: franchiser of acceptance locations that are guaranteed through MasterCard's network; processor of all payment transactions through the network and the final settlement of dollars with the financial institutions; and consultant offering a data warehouse of intelligence to help customers, such as merchants and banks, to make the best use of payments.
Robert Reeg, interim president of global technology and operations at MasterCard Worldwide, says that he doesn't worry about aligning IT with the business. He says, "We're one and the same. IT and the business are completely connected." In fact, Reeg leverages IT talent around the world to build and to manage MasterCard's massive network. He has even created the role of the business technologist as a way to develop future IT leaders.
In this podcast, Reeg talks about how his organization has adapted to the current economy to maintain its position in the marketplace, what processes, best practices, and new technologies are in place to manage a global organization, what role outsourcing plays in the IT operations, and how leveraging diversity can improve the innovation process.
Bio
Robert Reeg oversees MasterCard Worldwide's strategic processing platform, global network, and quality of operations that serve 25 million acceptable locations in 210 countries worldwide. He serves as a member of the company's Executive Committee and Management. He continues in his role as chief technology officer at MasterCard Worldwide. He led the company's $160 million core processing systems reengineering effort, which was delivered on budget and on schedule.
Prior to joining MasterCard, Reeg held IT and business leadership positions with Sprint Corp., Cleveland Pneumatic, Totco Inc., and Conoco Inc. Reeg serves on the board of directors for MMGTS, the University of Missouri-St. Louis Leadership Council, Washington University's Professional Degree Programs Academic Advisory Board, and the United Way of Greater St. Louis' Technology Committee.
Resources
InformationWeek - Offshoring Grows to Global Proportions
Computerworld - Managing Outsourcing
IT World - MasterCard Sets Plans for Global IT-based Payment Networks
Production Credits
Elizabeth Ferrarini, Executive Producer
Tom Parish, Host and Audio Producer
AlarmMusic.com Production Music Library for Broadcast, Film, Video & Post Production
