In a strategic move set to redefine professional training, MIS Training Institute (MISTI) and LeaderQuest have officially merged to establish Aci Learning, a dynamic and forward-thinking education brand. Backed by Boathouse Capital, this unified entity combines over four decades of industry experience to deliver cutting-edge training and certification in audit, cybersecurity, and information technology (IT). ACI Learning is poised to serve a diverse global clientele, ranging from burgeoning professionals to established enterprises across sectors such as banking, finance, defense, manufacturing, government, and oil & gas.
Headquartered in Denver, CO, ACI Learning boasts an impressive reach, catering to over 200,000 professionals across six continents and empowering more than 15,000 organizations and individuals annually. This merger marks a significant step towards creating a comprehensive and innovative learning ecosystem.
“While both MISTI and LeaderQuest thrived independently, we recognized a unique opportunity to amplify our impact and broaden our reach by uniting them under a single, powerful brand,” stated Chong Moua, partner at Boathouse Capital. “ACI Learning now stands as a robust entity, equipped with an experienced leadership team, an enriched training portfolio, a unified best-in-class tech infrastructure, and a clear, resonant brand identity.”
From the outset of 2020, the executive team at ACI Learning charted an ambitious course focused on virtual training expansion, accelerated B2B enterprise growth, proprietary intellectual property development, team scalability, and advanced technical infrastructure. At the heart of this vision is a steadfast commitment to generating meaningful career outcomes and enriching lives through professional development.
Brett Shively, CEO of ACI Learning, emphasized the swift and strategic execution of the merger: “The MISTI and LeaderQuest teams demonstrated exceptional agility in realizing their combined potential within a rapidly evolving, outcomes-oriented market. In less than six months, we have not only forged a cohesive, unified organization but have also strategically positioned ACI Learning for sustained growth and enhanced student success.”
The leadership team of ACI Learning represents a blend of seasoned veterans from MISTI and LeaderQuest, alongside fresh talent from across the industry.
Tim Kalil, COO and President of ACI Learning, who has dedicated the past decade to LeaderQuest, shared, “Throughout our significant growth, our focus on successful student outcomes has remained unwavering. Each month, we facilitate placements for hundreds of our students in high-growth IT careers, transforming their professional trajectories. Concurrently, our enterprise partners rely on us for both top-tier corporate training and access to highly qualified job candidates.”
Jerry Kukuchka, CFO of ACI Learning, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between purpose and performance: “Our commitment to student success is intrinsically linked to our financial achievements. The more we prioritize positive learning outcomes, the stronger our financial performance becomes. Our record revenue growth over the preceding six months underscores this principle.”
ACI Learning is strategically expanding its global enterprise training division, leveraging its unique capacity to upskill professionals at all levels, from entry-level practitioners to C-suite executives.
Tom Katsahnias, Chief Sales Officer, elaborated on this distinctive strength: “Our unique DNA lies in our ability to elevate skills across entire organizations. From individuals entering the IT field to leading experts in internal audit, we are equipped to train them on the evolving demands of their industries. ACI Learning is the trusted training partner for the U.S. government, Big Four auditing firms, and prominent defense contractors, among others.”
The ACI Learning brand name itself is a direct and transparent representation of the Audit, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology training specializations offered by the newly formed company.
Gary Van Prooyen, Chief Marketing Officer of ACI Learning, explained the strategic rationale behind the new brand identity: “While retaining one of our legacy brand names might have been the simpler path, our vision for the future is far more expansive. We chose ACI Learning to reflect our broadened scope and ambition, unconstrained by past operational models.”
Dr. David Duke, Chief Product Officer, added insight into the company’s innovative approach to learning methodologies: “While our in-person learning experiences were highly acclaimed for their quality, we are actively transforming our training portfolio across audit, cybersecurity, and IT for both enterprise and individual clients. Currently, over 90% of our training is delivered virtually, with further on-demand learning solutions on the horizon, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for our global learners.”
To explore the new brand and its mission further, visit www.acilearning.com. ACI Learning is set to unveil its comprehensive training portfolio for 2021 and beyond in the coming weeks, with a new e-commerce platform scheduled for launch in late Q3.
