1,030: Leveraging Global Expertise to Shape ADP’s Financial Future | Don McGuire, CFO, ADP

In 2021, Don McGuire received an unexpected call from ADP's HR leader, offering him the opportunity to become the company’s CFO. McGuire was taken aback; it had been nearly two decades since he had left the traditional finance career track. His journey had taken him through a variety of global leadership roles, far removed from the typical CFO pathway. The offer prompted McGuire to reflect on his unconventional career path, particularly a pivotal decision he made in 2002.

Back in 2002, while serving as CFO of ADP Canada, McGuire faced a crossroads. Although his career in finance was progressing smoothly, his curiosity about the broader business landscape led him to consider a different direction. Encouraged by his superior, the president of ADP Canada, who had noticed McGuire's strong rapport with clients during joint meetings, McGuire took a leap of faith. He stepped out of his finance role and into a client services leadership position. This role, devoid of a “C” title, was a calculated risk. McGuire believed that by immersing himself in the operational side of the business, he could gain valuable insights and broaden his leadership skills. The move allowed him to engage directly with clients, manage teams, and drive business outcomes in ways that traditional finance roles seldom offered.

This bold decision set McGuire on a unique career path, ultimately equipping him with the diverse experiences that would make him an ideal candidate for ADP’s CFO role nearly 20 years later.