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companies & people
Q&A with Talbott Roche, Blackhawk Network
Paybefore: As president of Blackhawk, what’s been most rewarding?
Talbott Roche: It’s been extremely rewarding to build a business from the ground up that creates products that succeed in meeting consumer needs. As the business expands, it isn’t always easy to stay focused on consumers, while constantly innovating. But, a consumer focus is necessary to continue to lead in the industry. We’re expanding our business into new channels, like digital, and entering new markets, such as incentives. It’s exciting to lead a company and be part of a team of talented professionals that make this possible every day. I’m most enthusiastic about fostering an innovative and results-oriented culture that values its customers and employees.
Paybefore: Tell me about those employees.
TR: We have about 1,400 employ- ees worldwide, with the largest number in technology. When Black- hawk started, it was a small entre- preneurial group within a larger company. Now we’re an indepen- dent, public company, able to give employees even more opportunity for growth. In the last year we added employees through our acquisitions, continued to drive best practices into our core business and invested in new emerging digital channels. We’ve also continued to expand our international footprint with partnerships and operations in
more than 21 countries. There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of Blackhawk.
Paybefore: Innovation is always top of mind for you. How did that develop?
TR: Blackhawk was founded
on innovation and succeeded in forever changing the way con- sumers shop. Honestly, I’ve always been committed to innovation. When faced with a challenge you have the option of using known solutions or creating your own.
I think my time at Stanford Uni- versity and working in and around Silicon Valley has shaped my com- mitment to constant innovation.
Innovation is also part of our DNA at Blackhawk and is always part of my mission. Whether it’s a new product or service idea from Senior Vice President David Tate or a new approach to marketing from CMO Teri Llach, it’s exhilarating to be in an environment where we feed off of each other’s ideas and expand the scope of what we’re able to do through collaboration.
Paybefore: Who are your most significant mentors?
TR: I’m grateful to have some incredible mentors throughout my career. Blackhawk co-founder Don Kingsborough instilled a strong sense of entrepreneurialism. Don is a visionary leader and a valued friend today. I am incredibly fortu- nate now to work with Bill Tauscher, who’s a committed and brilliant
executive. Bill brings tremendous experience and acumen in scaling business operations at a global level. I get great enjoyment from my relationship with Bill and the entire management team. Relationships matter, and you need to enjoy and respect those with whom you work every day.
Paybefore: You were president through Blackhawk’s $230 million IPO in 2013. Is it different running a public company?
TR: As an independent public company, Blackhawk Network has greater flexibility to grow into new channels and further influence the industry. We’re looking at payments and prepaid across all physical and digital channels, and moving beyond retail into new markets, such as the $30+ billion incentives and rewards industry. As a subsid- iary of a public company, we’ve had many of the controls required to be a public company for years. There are a few additional responsibilities, such as enhanced reporting and quarterly earnings, and I take these very seriously.
Paybefore: If I ask you the hot- spots in prepaid, would you say digital and mobile?
TR: Absolutely, because the convergence of mobile and digital with physical channels is just now starting to be tapped—buying online and picking up in-store and using mobile phones in-store to price check. But, those are just the beginning. Mobile can enhance