GFT strengthens leadership team with executive director appointment

London, 04 March 2024 – Digitalisation is a company priority for 87% of senior business leaders according to a recent survey, but only 40% of companies have realised their full digital potential.
 

Digital transformation pioneer GFT has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Ian Oswald as its Executive Director of Strategy and Offerings.

Ian brings 25+ years experience in technology transformation for retail and commercial financial services. At GFT, he will be responsible for driving the business’ capabilities and offerings for the company’s clients across the financial services industry.

Ian joins GFT’s 280-strong UK team from EY where he held the role of partner in the business’ technology consulting team, leading engagements on technology strategy, transformation roadmap and execution for large banking groups and challenger financial institutions. Prior to EY, Ian held roles at IBM, PwC and NatWest.

Speaking on his new role, Ian said: “GFT is a leader in engineering excellence and its expertise in integrating modern industry platforms is exactly what is needed in the financial services market. I'm looking forward to working with our clients to drive forward their transformations, and lead GFT’s strategy and offerings.“

Carlton Hopper, UK Managing Director at GFT, said: “Ian is a great addition to our leadership team. His experience working in industry and consultancy for some of the UK’s biggest banks means he understands the digital challenges and opportunities facing the sector and our clients. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact his appointment will have on our clients.“

His appointment marks the second hire in GFT’s UK leadership team in six months, following the arrival of Priya Lakshmi as its new Chief Revenue Officer in October.

GFT has already had a strong start to 2024, having announced its acquisition of Sophos Solutions in January. The acquisition has grown GFT’s headcount by 20 percent to more than 12,000 specialists worldwide.