Together appoints first chief AI officer

Together has appointed Apoorv Kashyap — known as AK (pictured above) — as its first chief AI officer.

AK brings more than 20 years' experience in technology across regulated financial services and retail.

He joins Together from Santander UK, where as head of AI he delivered multimillion pound operating benefits through lowering fraud and financial-crime provisions, operating efficiencies across front, middle and back office, and customer growth through AI channels.

AK trained as a computer scientist at the University of Southern California, is a Chartered Management Consultant, has advised House of Lords work on AI adoption, and speaks and lectures on AI.

At Together he will report directly to CEO Richard Rowntree.

AK commented: "Artificial Intelligence is already providing vast new opportunities for financial services and will undoubtedly re-shape the industry over the coming decades. Together has always relied on personal, human relationships and these remain key to the success of the business.

“My job will be to work out the best way to harness this latest innovation to benefit Together and help shape the business for future success."

"The opportunity to help build on this success and shape its next 50-year chapter as the business evolves into 'Together 2.0' is truly compelling."

Richard said the lender needed to keep looking ahead and continue investing in the people, technology and capabilities that would help Together grow sustainably.

"AK will help us think practically and ambitiously about how AI can support better decision-making, improve the experience for customers, brokers and colleagues, and create greater efficiency across the business”, said Richard.

“His role will be central to helping us identify the right opportunities, build the right capabilities and apply AI in a responsible and commercially focused way."