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Change Management | Operations Excellence

Successful Post-merger Integration adds new capabilities to an established bank

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Pressure multiplies when acquisition integration is subject to Federal penalties. 

An established $10B Chicago-based bank had to integrate an acquisition in record-breaking time.  Leaders were accountable to the highest levels of the organization.  Industry consolidation was rampant, and the bank’s ability to grow by acquisition would affect its bottom line and reputation. 

This growing bank had a newly acquired business operation and critical Federal deadlines to complete the integration.  The CIO needed experienced external consultants to guide this high-pressure project and deliver the promised benefits.    

Clerestory had partnered with this client before, and they knew we could streamline processes that would allow the new business to liaise with existing back-office operations.  The key to success was ensuring the solution maximized efficiency.  Clerestory’s work would facilitate a smooth post-merger integration and examine changes to people, processes and technology.  Our consultants’ scope included evaluating and eliminating duplicate roles and writing new job descriptions.  Processes were to be refined and documented before technology platform testing.  We created and documented repeatable, manual processes to compensate for interfaces that could not be developed within the time allowed.

Without disrupting ongoing business, Clerestory evaluated existing systems to determine integration solutions.  This analysis allowed us to determine what was working optimally and which systems required modifications.  After refining the relevant processes, we concentrated on testing new systems.  Acquired operations had to continue when physical locations closed, and activities were absorbed into the new infrastructure.  To test the systems, Clerestory segmented the teams.  Each team focused on making the adjustments to procedures that would allow them to outperform established targets. 

We worked with leadership at every level to perform program oversight.  Detailed conversion plans covered the project communications, testing, and support.  To simplify the integration, we created an Executive Dashboard that tracked the efforts and provided an audit trail.  We also established practices that strengthened the collaboration at the client location and introduced new ways of working.  This helped to indoctrinate and onboard the staff transitioning from the acquired financial institution. 

Clerestory established a “war room” to handle issues quickly.  We implemented and enforced protocols to track and close out issues.  Swift and succinct escalation to Senior Management ensured strict adherence to the timeline.  We facilitated working sessions that created ownership and buy-in for the new product offerings.     

The post-merger integration of this acquisition doubled the bank’s operating volumes and integrated a new product line into the existing infrastructure.  Clerestory provided project leadership to 7  teams and fifty people involved in the service offering. 

All work was on time, on budget, and without disruption to normal bank operations.  Our partner enjoyed stellar results.  With our help, they took advantage of the urgent integration to optimize back-office business processes.  When industry leaders want results, they choose Clerestory.

Number of employees managed through integration

“Your commitment and sense of urgency set the tone for our successful integration.  I never worry when Clerestory is involved.”

Executive Vice President & CIO

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Sachin Master

Supply Chain Leader, Operations Expert, Program Manager

Sachin is a Senior Vice President at Clerestory Consulting with over 20 years of leadership experience in both industry and consulting.  Sachin serves as a trusted advisor to his executive-level clients and helps them deliver on strategic, operational, and technology transformations.  He leads blended client/consultant teams to provide a big-picture perspective and foster a collaborative partnership between stakeholders.  Prior to joining Clerestory, Sachin earned an MBA, deployed enterprise-wide solutions, and implemented customer-centric strategies.  Sachin has experience in manufacturing, logistics, insurance, healthcare, professional services, and high-tech (hardware and software) industries.  Sachin is known for his holistic approach to problem-solving and his direct communication style.

Maura Halbach

Inspirational Coach, Problem-Solver, Change-Maker

Maura is a Senior Vice President at Clerestory.  Since the firm began two decades ago, Maura has been a cultural standard-bearer and developer of consultants.  Maura has led transformative client engagements in the manufacturing, financial services, property management, and healthcare industries.  Maura has contributed to Clerestory’s change methodology EMBEDSM and helps clients develop a greater capacity for change.  She consistently drives sustainable results in operations excellence, organization design, and technology implementation.  Clients value Maura’s ability to unite an organizations’ employees around a shared vision to develop internal change agents.  She is highly effective at creating enthusiastic participation and meaningful collaboration.

Michelle Kerr

Trusted Advisor, Organization Designer, Change Leader

Michelle is a Co-founder and Principal of Clerestory.  She became a consultant after working in industry and completing an advanced degree in Organization Design.  Over the last 25 years, she has earned a reputation as an authority in the fields of organization design, executive project management, and HR process design.  Michelle has led numerous efforts for global companies aligning corporate strategy with investments in technology and human capital.  She has continuously improved Clerestory’s change methodology EMBEDSM and applies it to help clients with large scale transformation.  Her clients trust her to quickly adapt to fast-changing project needs.  Michelle generates tremendous client value and inspires innovation.

John Wick

Client Advisor, Fact-finder, CFO, CPA

John is a Co-founder and Principal of Clerestory.  He is a CPA by training and has over 30 years of experience leading consulting engagements in the insurance, financial services, pharmaceutical, and distribution industries.  A skilled Program Manager, John is sought after for his expertise in implementing process and technology solutions with a focus on the top line.  His clients appreciate his ownership of P&L and his deep understanding of financial processes, including financial/information technology audit concepts.  Clients view John as a thoughtful listener and an inquisitive and thorough problem solver.

Linda Toops

Leader, Mentor, Business Builder

Linda is the founder and Managing Principal of Clerestory and has more than 35 years of consulting experience.  Throughout her career, she has applied her expertise by developing high-performing teams, delivering business value, and leading companies from vision through execution.  Her bias for clear communication and processes that put people first have become values that Clerestory consultants bring to every client project.  In her role as Managing Principal, Linda is responsible for the firm’s strategy for client and staff growth.

Clerestory's Change Management Principles
  1. A clear vision and the right sponsorship enables change.
  2. Reasons for change should be fact-based and clear.
  3. People support what they create.
  4. People need to change the way they work.
  5. Deliberate communication makes change sustainable.