Almeida started his career in homeland of Brazil where he worked in product and marketing positions at Grupo Arcor in the late 1990s[13]. In 2000, he joined Western Union as Argentina Marketing Manager, before being promoted to Regional Marketing Manager of South America in 2003[13].
Almeida’s career reached a turning year in 2008 when Western Union opened its first Central America office in Panama. In his role as Regional Director, Almeida significantly expanded the revenue and scope of the regional office. The office grew from 4 to 10 nations with no increase in personnel[1313. He uncovered new business opportunities and grew the agent network, improved efficiency, recruited top talent and energized his teams to deliver strong results [1313.
From 2011 to the year 2017, Almeida served as Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Americas, managing a multimillion-dollar P&L in 16 countries which comprised more than 60 percent of Western Union’s Latin America business[13]. He led the regional teams in transforming initiatives into sustainable, long-term growth. Highlights include the introduction of the first U.S.-to-Cuba money transfer service the digitization of Cuba’s process for money transfers and changing agreements with partners to save millions of dollars.
Almeida’s achievements have attracted ACI Worldwide. ACI Worldwide provides real-time electronic payment solutions around the world. ACI Worldwide appointed Almeida president and COO in 2020. He led ACI to success in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic and helped drive digital revenue. Almeida was the president of Western Union Global Money Transfer (2002-2019) and also headed the company’s $5 billion consumer business in more than 200 countries, was responsible for ACI’s digital transformation. He led Western Union’s transformation to digital, which doubled digital revenues while enabling instant payouts for billions of accounts[1][2].
Western Union Digital Transformation
Almeida was a key player in Western Union’s digital transformation journey. He encouraged Western Union to revamp their business model in order to keep pace with digital era of startups.
The rollout in 2018 of high-value digital transfer from the UK into over 70 countries allowed customers to transfer as much as PS50,000 through their smartphones[1[1]. Western Union has entered the multi-billion dollar market of bank transfers via digital channels using its real-time compliance controls and large bank payout network[1]. Almeida continued to oversee a significant double-digit rise in digital revenues that reached $400 million in 2017.
Almeida oversees the launch the rollout Germany as well as Romania of Western Union’s digital banking services, which will be the next generation of 2021[3The company also managed the rollout of its digital banking next generation in 2021[3. The new platform offers a multicurrency card and account that allows customers to load, move, and use money in 16 currencies[33. The banking app integrated was designed in just 11 months using low-code tools which is a testimony to the innovation and agility Almeida has instilled [17the company’s founders in.
Other digital initiatives included the introduction of an AI chatbot to cut down on wait times, recruiting new loyalty program partners and introducing new products to incorporate Western Union into customers’ daily lives[8[8]. Almeida and his team and Google have been able to, with an approach to digital first and collaborations, to provide seamless and fast experiences, especially on mobile[8[8]. Western Union’s digital-first strategy combined with innovative ways to transfer money online and also payment options that are real-time, helped it meet the evolving needs of its customers during the pandemic[8].
Influence of Leadership Style
Almeida’s leadership style is formed by his culture background. It is centered around cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit by demonstrating integrity and leadership and recognizing opportunities everywhere [1][9]. He brings to his role an immigrant viewpoint that draws inspiration and inspiration from his Brazilian roots and his family.
Almeida concentrates on motivating his employees and creating a work environment in which everybody can be successful[9]. He is a keen observer of what motivates individuals and how they can connect their strengths with the goals of the company[99. This people-first approach has enabled him to create diverse, high-performing teams that can navigate the complexities of large international organizations while retaining an innovative edge.
Almeida’s leadership embodies a number of traits that define 21st-century Leadership[9]
1. Keep an immigrant’s perspective to see opportunities wherever you go.
2. Strive for excellence and a passion for life’s passion
3. A noble goal can help fuel others’ momentum
4. Living with a spirit of entrepreneurship to take smart chances and quickly learn develop relationships regularly, and live with an entrepreneurial mentality.
5. Using intellectual curiosity as a tool to boost impact
6. Understanding the importance and value of reciprocity when leading is essential.
The influence of Almeida extends beyond the businesses he leads. He was an executive board member for NCR Atleos (Votorantim bank), Millicom International and Vanto Group. His role was to provide strategic direction and governance oversight. He is a board-member of Vizcaya which is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. His dedication to giving back is evident in his work.
Conclusion
Odilon Almeida is a visionary leader who has contributed significantly to the fintech and financial services industries. His accomplishments span from driving digitalization within Western Union to restoring ACI Worldwide’s growth and profitability, and also enhancing access to financial services and ensuring that they are accessible to millions of clients worldwide.
Almeida’s cultural background and values have been a major influence on his leadership style. He is a firm believer in cultivating and encouraging talent, innovation and leading with purpose. He has consistently created top-performing global teams that are able to perform in complex environments while staying agile.
As the pace of change in technology accelerates the role of leaders like Almeida will be crucial to assist companies that have been around for a while in their transformation and remain relevant. His track record of achieving positive results, fostering talent and making a positive effects on the communities and his customers set an inspirational example for the future generation of leaders in the world.