A Strategic Execution Framework
ADVISORY ARTICLE
By Archana Choudhary
India & USA
Introduction. Why M&A Success is Won or Lost After the Deal
Mergers and Acquisitions programs are often judged by the size of the transaction and the financial projections that justifies it. Significant M&A initiatives fail to deliver their promised value not because the strategy was flawed, but because execution of the deal falls short. According to McKinsey, KPMG and industry studies, 50% to 70% of acquisitions fail to achieve their strategic objectives or derive meaningful value creation (https://mergersand.com/the-merger-of-companies-failures-and-recommendations)
The post deal phase is where the value is either realized or quietly eroded.
Corporate leaders, legal advisors and executives shape the deal. It is the integration leaders particularly within information technology and enterprise delivery function who nearly underpins operational capability, customer experience, regulatory compliance, delivery and business continuity.
From my experience delivering high-impact IT integration initiatives in highly complex environments, one truth is very clear. M&A is a transformation program. Many organizations continue to manage integrations as collection of disconnected projects. This disconnect between strategy and execution is the primary reason why synergies are delayed.
This article presents a practical execution framework for leading M&A programs from deal close to value realization. Rather than focusing on valuation and negotiation, it addresses the often-overlooked question: How do organizations translate strategic intent into working systems.
By outlining a structured, end-to-end approach to integration governance, risk management and execution, this article offers PMO executives and leaders a model of treating M&A not as a one-off event but a disciplined change bringing long-term growth.
The IT Leader Role in M&A
In most organizations, information technology has become a critical enabler of business value. This role has become more pronounced in M&A as IT leaders are “entrusted to keep the systems running.”
Effective leadership in M&A requires strategic foresights, discipline and deep cross functional collaboration. They translate high level deal assumptions into actionable integration plans ensuring technology is an accelerator to realize merger synergies.
In today’s digital enterprise, IT is the backbone that supports customer experience, innovations and compliance. Failure to integrate technology can lead to operational disruptions, data breaches, regulatory penalties. The IT leader role is pivotal.
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How to cite this paper: Choudhary, A. (2026). Leading High-Impact Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Programs: A Strategic Execution Framework; PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue II, February. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pmwj161-Feb2026-Choudhary-Leading-High-Impact-MA-Programs.pdf
About the Author
Archana Choudhary
Florida, USA
Archana Choudhary is Vice President at Deutsche Bank, with over 20 years of experience in IT project management. She is recognized expert in strategy execution, PMO leadership, and project portfolio management having led complex initiatives including bank acquisitions and mergers, as well as Agile transformations that unified siloed teams and stabilized fluctuating priorities under robust PMO structures.
A frequent speaker, author, and PMP mentor, Archana has contributed to PMI global standards and delivered presentations at various PMI chapters, including Dallas, Carolina, Northeast Florida, Miami Conference, Global Summit, Agile Asia Pacific symposium, among others.
She is an award-winning project management professional, honored at various platforms like Women in Tech as Global Technology Leader, PMI Phoenix. Recognized for leadership excellence, influence and strengthening professional PM communities, contributing to advancing women in project management.
Archana also serves as a judge for prestigious international awards, including PMI PMO Awards, startups and is regarded as a thought leader in the field. She can be contacted at www.linkedin.com/in/archana-choudhary-690875b0
