Fiserv (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, announced today that Cliff Skelton has joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer as of April 16, 2012.
Skelton replaces Maryann Goebel, who will serve as an advisor to the company until her retirement on July 1, 2012.
In this role, Skelton will be responsible for global information technology infrastructure and operations, enterprise architecture, technology governance, and programs aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the company's technology platforms.
"Cliff brings a wealth of financial services experience to Fiserv, including proven success in leading integration initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and implementing large scale service excellence programs," said Mark Ernst, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Fiserv. "His leadership skills and business line experience will further accelerate our product integration efforts and provide direct benefit to our clients."
Skelton was most recently global chief technology and operations officer at Ally Financial Corporation. In that role since 2007, he directed all technology strategy and operations for the company, and had operational responsibility for procurement, supplier management, facilities, privacy and information security. Prior to joining Ally, Skelton served in senior leadership roles at Bank of America, where he led the integration of strategic acquisitions including Fleet Boston Financial, MBNA Corporation and U.S. Trust. He also held senior executive roles in Bank of America's card services, merchant services and government credit card businesses.
Skelton completed a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a naval aviator. He holds a master's in public administration from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of Southern California. Skelton has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the military and private industry.
Skelton replaces Maryann Goebel, who joined Fiserv as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer in June 2009. She began her career in 1973 as a systems programmer analyst with Philadelphia Electric Company and brought more than 30 years of progressive technology experience to Fiserv, including 15 years as a senior technology officer for some of the world's leading companies. She was recently named to the Computerworld Premier 100, which recognizes 100 leaders for their exceptional technology leadership, innovative solutions to business challenges, and effective management of IT strategies.
"Maryann has been instrumental in leading through a period of transformation in the financial services industry and at Fiserv," said Ernst. "Her experience with complex technology environments and focus on innovation has been an asset to our company and clients."