Steve Rai, CPA, CA

Caretaker
DISC Type : Si

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at OpenText

Canada

Overview

Steve Rai is the Executive Vice President and CFO at OpenText, bringing 30 years of global finance experience from technology firms like BlackBerry. He specializes in steering financial strategy and has a proven record of leading through M&A and restructuring. He holds both U. S. and Canadian CPA designations.

Driven by a stated passion for technology and a customer-centric focus, Steve thrives in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. He excels in navigating change, whether it’s integrating new technologies, optimizing financial structures, or leading through major organizational transformations. His leadership is noted for its integrity and deep operational expertise.

He played a pivotal role in transforming BlackBerrys financial strategy and operating structure during a period of significant technological and organizational change.

Personality Overview

Nice But Slow

Social Proof Seeker

Good Listener

Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them.  They are more likely to go for proven solutions. Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are.

Topics They Care About

AI-Driven Growth
In recent interviews, he has emphasized OpenText's strategy to capture rising corporate demand for AI-driven solutions and what he calls "agentic AI".
Cloud Momentum
He recently highlighted strengthening momentum in OpenText's cloud segment as a key driver for growth, focusing on enterprise bookings and improved margins.
Portfolio Optimization
Is actively pursuing a "shrink to grow" strategy at OpenText by divesting non-core assets to create a leaner and more focused organization.

Media Appearances

Steve has no verified media appearances

Work History

10-2025
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at OpenText
8-2024 - 10-2024
Advisor to CEO & Former Chief Financial Officer at BlackBerry at BlackBerry
10-2019 - 8-2024
Chief Financial Officer at BlackBerry
1-2019 - 10-2019
Deputy Chief Financial Officer at BlackBerry
Corporate Controller at PMC-Sierra

Education

1987 - 1992
Education details unavailable from Simon Fraser University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 5 Location : Canada Job Level : Leadership Designation : Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at OpenText
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Insights For Selling To Steve

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • When asking them questions, sound relatable and informal
  • Use testimonials, case studies to show them why it is a low-risk, high-value decision
  • Show them how they look good by making this decision

DONT's

  • Don’t sound very transactional
  • Don’t ask too many questions that sound too dry and objective
  • Don’t give the impression of being unproven or risky

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Steve is

  • Relationships can sway their decisions, followed by the low risk and the presence of good evidence.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Steve

  • They are diplomatic when needed and rarely say no directly.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Steve move?

  • Even if they are engaged and friendly, they can take their time to make decisions.
  • Can Steve take some risk or not?

  • They probably won’t put a lot at risk.

You And Steve

Personality Compatibility


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