NCR Appoints Patricia Watson as Chief Information Officer to Lead Digital Transformation

Atlanta – NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a prominent enterprise technology solutions provider, has welcomed Patricia “Patty” Watson to its executive ranks as Chief Information Officer. The appointment marks a strategic move as the company navigates its evolution toward becoming a software-centric, service-based organization.

Watson will oversee NCR’s Information & Technology division and chair the company’s Technology Leadership Council, positioning her at the helm of the company’s technology infrastructure and innovation initiatives. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as NCR progresses toward its strategic separation into two distinct, market-focused entities.

Executive Leadership Perspective

CEO Michael D. Hayford emphasized the significance of Watson’s joining, noting that her arrival creates an exceptional platform to reimagine NCR’s technological direction and establish a forward-looking technology strategy. He highlighted her capacity to streamline operational processes and modernize engineering capabilities while maintaining the organization’s foundational commitment to customer-centric solutions.

“Patty’s management approach resonates deeply with our organizational values,” Hayford stated, underscoring that her technology leadership will be instrumental in advancing NCR’s product innovation and market competitiveness.

Watson’s Professional Background

Watson brings substantial expertise across multiple domains critical to enterprise operations. Her career spans more than two decades within the financial services sector, complemented by a decade of service in the U.S. Air Force. This diverse background encompasses vendor relationship management, risk mitigation, procurement strategy, supply chain optimization, and business resilience planning.

Her professional trajectory includes senior technology leadership roles at major institutions including Intrado, TSYS, The Brink’s Company, and Bank of America, where she held CIO-level and other executive technology positions. This extensive experience across financial institutions positions her well to guide NCR through its technological modernization efforts.

Educational Credentials and Board Service

Watson holds an MBA from the University of Dayton and completed her undergraduate studies at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Beyond her full-time responsibilities, she maintains board positions with USAA Federal Savings Bank and Rockwell Automation, reflecting her ongoing engagement with industry leadership circles.

NCR’s Strategic Direction

The company, headquartered in Atlanta, operates as a transformative force in technology platforms serving banking, retail, and foodservice sectors. With a global workforce of 38,000 employees, NCR continues to position itself at the intersection of digital innovation and operational excellence across multiple verticals.

Watson expressed her enthusiasm for joining the organization’s 138-year institutional heritage, acknowledging NCR’s successful transition into software-driven service delivery models. She emphasized her commitment to leveraging this foundation while maintaining alignment with the company’s customer-focused operational philosophy.