Since our founding in 2013, Avato has been a pioneer in intelligent data integration and AI enablement. We began as a group of enterprise architects with a shared belief: there had to be a better, more efficient way to unify disparate systems and data so businesses could unlock greater value from their technology investments. From this vision — and our relentless dedication to solving complex data-centric problems with elegant simplicity — Avato was born.
Avato comes from the Hungarian term meaning "of dedication". And dedication is at the very heart of who we are — to our clients, to innovation, and to building the technology foundations required to power rich, connected customer experiences.
Today, our hybrid integration platform and team of experts are helping leading organizations accelerate business value by unlocking isolated assets and orchestrating their data into a unified, intelligent foundation. We specialize in large-scale data consolidation, legacy modernization, cloud migration, and platform integration — supporting some of the most complex digital initiatives across industries.
As the era of Artificial Intelligence unfolds, Avato continues to lead the way by reframing AI through the lens of Collective Intelligence. We believe the true power of AI emerges when data correlation connects people, processes, and technologies — becoming a workforce multiplier by amplifying human potential and fulfilling the long-standing promise of data-driven operating models.
And while we've been building on this foundation for decades, we still believe this is only the beginning of our story — one that will continue to shape how businesses operate, innovate, and thrive well into the future.
Avato’s Executive Leadership Team represents decades of extensive business and technology expertise, with a proven track record of driving international market development, operational excellence, and customer success.
Collectively, the team brings deep experience in modernizing mission-critical environments, enabling innovation across highly regulated industries, and scaling global enterprises.
Guided by a shared vision for the future of data, automation, and Collective Intelligence, Avato’s leadership is committed to helping customers navigate complexity, accelerate transformation, and deliver measurable business value.
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Ballou joined Avato in May 2025 as a principal and investor, with a focus on accelerating the company’s international growth strategy. As CEO, he is committed to advancing Avato’s mission of modernizing highly regulated enterprises, empowering FinTechs and InsurTechs to create value, and supporting customers in delivering impactful AI initiatives and next-generation business models.
Ken brings over 30 years of international leadership experience exclusively in the enterprise software industry. His career reflects a consistent track record of aligning innovation with business objectives and driving sustained growth across some of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.
Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer
Darren Stevens founded Avato in 2012, having built the first versions of the Avato integration tier for one of Canada's largest credit unions to facilitate a core banking conversion at a fifth of the cost of the institution's nearest competitor. With nearly four decades of experience as a real-time software developer, team lead and systems architect, Darren brings a wealth of experience across multiple industries and sectors. His leadership and technical acumen have been instrumental in the successful delivery of many projects, from startups to FinTechs to major banking, education, infrastructure and insurance core conversions.
As CTO, Darren is responsible for the architecture and implementation of Avato software, ensuring that Avato technology always exhibits an excellence rarely seen in modern software systems, exceeding customer expectations while continually meeting evolving market demands. Darren is also responsible for ensuring the highest levels of value, quality and professionalism are delivered to our customers through our professional services and online service offerings.
The Avato Advisory Board brings together a distinguished group of executives with deep, battle-tested expertise across industries where data complexity is greatest—ranging from financial services to defense. These sectors represent some of the most promising opportunities for AI-driven value creation and operational transformation.
Working in close collaboration with Avato’s Executive Leadership Team, the Advisory Board provides strategic insight to help guide the company’s vision, support customer success, and accelerate innovation. Their collective experience reinforces Avato’s commitment to delivering high-impact solutions that harness the power of advanced data correlation and next-generation AI-enabled business models.
Advisor
Carrie Forbes, former CEO of League Data, brings deep expertise in digital transformation for credit unions and financial institutions. She successfully led technology modernization for over 40 institutions across Eastern Canada and was recently named Woman of the Year at the 2024 Open Banking Expo. Forbes is recognized for her work at the intersection of governance, compliance, and financial services innovation.
Advisor
Michael Nolan is a strategic systems thinker with more than 15 years of experience leading digital transformations in financial services. He has designed payment ecosystems, led fraud prevention strategies enhanced by AI, and delivered infrastructure that processes $800M+ in daily transactions and has prevented $200M+ in fraud losses. Nolan has advised C-suite leaders across banking, helping future-proof operations with secure, scalable solutions.
Advisor
Scott Dewis is a seasoned entrepreneur and advisor with a dual focus: helping fast-scaling founder-led tech companies accelerate growth and supporting modernization efforts in Canada’s aerospace and defense industries. A former Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Tech Company of the Year award winner, Dewis brings unmatched insight into go-to-market strategies, operational scaling, and sector-specific innovation.
~ Gustavo Estrada, Acting Provincial Director, Performance & Transformation, BC Provincial Health Services Authority
- Tony LeBlanc, BC Provincial Health Services Authority
