In her new role, she will lead the bank’s overall technology vision and proprietary software development to enhance customer experience.

Ravneet — who will report directly to CEO, Richard Davies — joined Allica in January 2020 as lead integration engineer.

She previously had experience in critical software engineering positions at Santander, Infosys, Teradata and Aricent.

She was promoted in May 2021 to Allica’s senior leadership as VP of engineering, leading the team and technical architecture across web, mobile, backend, and testing and, later that year, took on responsibility for the platforms teams.

“Ever since I joined Allica, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of helping drive forward the bank’s mission to combine easy-to-use and robust technology with a tailored personal service,” said Ravneet.

“With a relentless focus on innovation and providing the best possible digital products for customers, Allica is truly taking digital business banking to the next level — it is a fantastic place to develop a technology career.

•   What will affect valuations in 2022 and beyond?
•   Allica Bank signs £110m funding round
•   Allica Bank acquires AIB's SME lending book

“I started my career developing code to record temperature readings; I’ve enjoyed the journey I’ve been on to get here and am proud to be starting my new challenge of leading the technology function for Allica as it goes on its mission to reimagine relationship banking for SMEs.”

The promotion follows Allica’s recent acquisition of AIB’s £600m SME lending portfolio.

As CTO, Ravneet will migrate AIB’s SME customers over to Allica, as well as support the launch of its business rewards account later this year.

Richard added: “Allica prides itself on offering our customers digital banking to make life easier for hard-working established SMEs, alongside setting a new standard for service in the SME banking market.

“Ravneet has been fundamental to developing Allica’s proprietary software and her efforts have rightly earned her respect and admiration across the bank and wider industry.

 “Ravneet’s promotion is thoroughly deserved; we are delighted to able to benefit from her skills and experience as we continue on our quest to become the leading SME challenger bank for the decade ahead.”