In his UK role, Rakshit will be responsible for developing Santander’s data strategy, organisation, operating model, technology and governance. This will include leading the creation of a data and analytics centre of excellence, bringing together multiple disciplines from across the bank into a single team.

In his European role, Rakshit will partner with Santander’s other European Chief Data Officers to harmonise approaches to data and analytics across Europe, helping the region to reuse business services, share innovation and operate more efficiently.

Rakshit brings over two decades of experience in senior data and IT roles, having most recently served as Group Chief Data Officer at HSBC, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of HSBC’s group-wide data and analytics strategy.

Prior to that he held roles at US insurance company Travelers, where he was Global CIO for Data, Analytics, and AI/Robotic Process Automation, and at JP Morgan, where he was Managing Director, Data Management and Analytics.

Rakshit will join Santander on 1 February 2021, reporting to Iain Plunkett, Chief Operating Officer, for his UK role, and Cristina San Jose, Global Head of New Models & Data Unit, for his European role.

Tony Prestedge, Santander UK Deputy CEO said: “I am very pleased that Rakshit will be joining the team. Harnessing the power of data to improve our products and services for customers will be critical in delivering our ambition to be a digital bank with a human touch. Rakshit’s experience and expertise will be a huge asset as we develop our data strategy and put data-driven insight at the heart of our decision-making.”

Rakshit Kapoor said: “I am very excited to be joining Santander, a digital leader in the banking sector. I am really looking forward to being part of its ongoing transformation and joining such a talented international team.”