What did you do before joining CTB?

I moved to the UK in 2009 to pursue a Masters in Information Technology at the University of Aberdeen. After completing my studies in 2010, I started my career in the UK with a technology consultancy, where I worked as a Senior Systems Analyst and Engineering Manager. During that time, I had the chance to design and build software solutions for some well-known clients like KPMG, Barclays, and Bank of America.

I then moved on and spent some time at De La Rue as a Senior Product Owner, leading the delivery of their Cash Processing Solution across central banks, commercial banks, and cash centres around the world. It was an incredible role that gave me global exposure and really helped shape how I think about product delivery, technology, and customer impact today.

What attracted you to working for CTB?

I’ve always been keen to build my career in the Financial Services industry, but I’d often heard stories about bureaucracy and the slow pace of change in larger corporates, which put me off. That’s why my first interview at Castle Trust Bank really stood out. The people that interviewed me both came across with genuine passion and a clear care for the organisation. What really sold it to me was their vision – one of growth, momentum, and making things happen. I knew I wanted to be part of that journey.
 
On a personal note, I’d just moved to Basingstoke and was looking for something closer to home. I was also about to get married, and my wife wasn’t exactly thrilled about the regular international travel that came with my previous role at De La Rue. (Her biggest concern? She’s terrified of spiders and wasn’t keen on being home alone if one showed up!) So, the opportunity at CTB really came at the perfect time – professionally exciting and personally right.

What roles have you had since joining CTB?

Business Analyst > Product Manager > Programme Director > Head of Strategy & Product > Head of Product and Change > Transformation Director

What attracted you to the role that you are in today?

I’ve always had a real drive to keep growing and pushing myself to be better at what I do. Taking on the role of Transformation Director felt like a natural next step – not just for my own development, but to demonstrate my personal commitment to the Bank. It was an opportunity to have a bigger impact and play a more direct role in shaping the Bank’s success.

What really attracted me to this role was the chance to step outside my comfort zone and take on new subject areas that I hadn’t worked in before. I saw it as the perfect challenge to stretch myself, build new skills, and get closer to achieving my long-term career goals.

What (and why) do you enjoy most about the role that you do?

What I enjoy most about my role is the variety—no two days are ever the same. One moment I might be leading a major change programme, and the next I’m working closely with teams to tackle day-to-day challenges. That constant variety keeps me learning, keeps me motivated, and really pushes me to keep improving.
 
But what really makes the role special is the people. I genuinely love coming into work and being surrounded by colleagues who are passionate, driven, and truly care about making Castle Trust Bank a better place. Also, I’m constantly proud and genuinely impressed by the dedication, resilience, and sheer effort my team puts in every single day. It’s inspiring to see how everyone – at all levels – is pulling in the same direction and committed to making a difference.

I’ve been fortunate to work on some big programmes like when we became a Bank in 2020, and seeing those come to life and have a real impact is incredibly rewarding. But the real win for me is knowing I’m part of a team that genuinely supports each other and takes pride in what we’re building together.

For me, it’s that combination: the challenge, the people, and the chance to leave a meaningful impact. That’s what makes this role so rewarding

What have you found challenging about your current role?

One of the biggest challenges in my current role has been balancing the need to deliver quick, visible wins while also driving long-term, sustainable change. Transformation isn’t always a straight path, and it can be difficult to keep everyone aligned and motivated when some changes take time to fully embed.

Another challenge has been stepping into areas that are outside my original areas of expertise. While I see this as a valuable growth opportunity, it’s required me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, to ask a lot of questions, and to rely on the strengths and knowledge of others —particularly my brilliant team and colleagues across the Bank.

What training and development opportunities have you / are you receiving?

I’ve been fortunate to have several great development opportunities during my time at Castle Trust Bank. I’ve completed the ILM Leadership Programme, which has really helped strengthen my leadership skills, as well as the High Performing Teams course, which gave me practical tools to better lead, support, and motivate teams.

A big part of my growth has also come through hands-on experience —taking on new responsibilities, stepping into unfamiliar subject areas, and learning on the job. The Bank has really supported me in stretching myself and expanding my knowledge in ways that directly align with my career ambitions.

More recently, I participated in the Director Development Programme, specifically focusing on Advanced Strategic Planning for Directors. This has been incredibly valuable in helping me think more strategically about the organisation’s long-term direction and how I can best contribute at that level.

What are your future career aspirations?

Well… unless I win the lottery, my goal is to continue developing myself both personally and professionally with the ambition of becoming a C-Level Executive in the Technology, Delivery, or Product space. I’m really driven by the opportunity to lead at a strategic level, influence meaningful change, and help shape the future direction of an organisation.

How would you describe the culture here at CTB?

I’d describe the culture at Castle Trust Bank as one that truly promotes inclusivity and encourages growth. There’s a genuine commitment across the organisation to support both personal and career aspirations, and I’ve seen this come to life in many ways—whether through training opportunities, open communication, or the way people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

What stands out to me is how the company fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. It’s clear that Castle Trust isn’t just focused on business success, but also on creating a workplace where people can develop, thrive, and feel part of something bigger.

What makes CTB a unique place to work?

Not many organisations have such a clear and consistent vision, but over my 10+ years at Castle Trust Bank, I’ve seen a strong and steady growth narrative backed by a well-defined plan. While execution can come with its challenges – as it does anywhere – the constant drive to grow creates an environment full of daily learning opportunities.

What truly makes CTB unique, though, is the passion and commitment I see in the people around me. Everyone is genuinely invested in being part of the Bank’s growth story, and that shared sense of purpose makes me incredibly proud to be part of the team and to contribute to the ongoing success of Castle Trust.