Diebold has been fortunate to have been headed by some strong and able individuals, capable of leading it to new heights as it competed against stronger and stronger headwinds from the competition.

One of those men was Robert (Bob) Mahoney, a company leader from 1982 to his retirement in 2000 -- times when the company experienced both strong international growth and widespread new product development.

Both charismatic and energetic, Mahoney joined Diebold in 1982 as a senior vice president in the electronics group. He was named executive vice president and chief operating officer in 1983, president and chief executive officer (CEO) in 1985 and chairman and CEO in 1988.

Annual sales averaged about $450 million in 1988 and topped $1 billion only eight years later, in 1996.

During the 12 years Mahoney served as chairman, the company accomplished much, including:

• 1988: Nilson Report ranks Diebold as world leader in ATM production
• 1990: InterBold joint venture begins with IBM, opening new markets to Diebold
• 1991: InterBold introduces iSeries ATMs that allow customers to view deposited checks on the screen
• 1992: Integrated Campus Access Management system premieres
• 1993: Biometrics and video conferencing is integrated into ATMs; ATM joint venture formed in China
• 1994: Diebold purchases distributor in Mexico and 50 percent of distributor in Venezuela
• 1995: MedSelect-Rx is established; Smart card readers are incorporated into some ATMs
• 1996: Diebold supports Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Ga., with 75 ATMs within the Olympic ring; Internet ATM concept unveiled
• 1997: Cash Source Plus cash dispenser introduced; Diebold buys out IBM’s InterBold partnership interest
• 1999: Diebold launches first iris recognition ATM in the United States; Purchases Procomp Amazonia Industria Electronica of Brazil and expands its global presence through joint ventures and partnerships
• 2000: Company expands in Europe with the purchase of both Getronics and Groupe Bull; Procomp wins major contract to supply voting machines in Brazil

Mahoney, still a regular visitor to Diebold headquarters, is proudest of his efforts to promote the company’s international expansion. He once told a reporter he had visited every continent at least twice, then added: “Although, I never went to Antarctica. But I would have gone there, too, if the penguins bought ATMs.”

If there’s a secret behind the company’s success, Mahoney believes it is this: “The most important thing is having satisfied customers, so it is critical to establish direct relationships with customers. That way we can know their challenges, problems and opportunities and help them to be successful.”