Alex Tindal

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2024.

As a technically adept senior IT Director with over fifteen years of experience in financial services, predominantly in asset management, banking, and wealth management, Alex has a proven track record of aligning business needs with IT deliverables, incorporating agile practices, and holding certifications in TOGAF, PRINCE2, Scrum, ITILv3 & v4, and MSP methodologies. He has experience managing teams in multicultural environments across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the USA, with a focus on cost-effectiveness, automation, service quality, and IT as a business enabler. He is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

How did you get into IT?

I began my journey in the IT world in the 1990s at a local IT support firm, starting as a Junior on the helpdesk, learning the ins and outs of installing Windows NT and Windows 95. It was a time when floppy disks were still in use, and it feels like a lifetime ago. It was during this time that my passion for all things tech ignited, and I realised that this was the career field for me. Since then, I have climbed the ranks to become a senior leader, where I now have the privilege of shaping the careers of others.

What do you consider your greatest IT achievement of the last 12 months?

In my current role, I have achieved two significant accomplishments. Firstly, successfully delivering my IT strategy has transformed the end-user experience, leading to a complete redesign of our back-end infrastructure and addressing two decades worth of legacy systems and technical debt. These efforts have positioned us for a brighter future. Secondly, I have enabled more neurodiverse interns to gain meaningful IT work experience in my teams, allowing them to learn new skills, understand the workplace, and make new friends. It has been incredibly rewarding to see these interns thrive.

How do you ensure diversity is taken into account in your IT recruitment?

We have implemented strategies to reach out to a more diverse pool of candidates, including leveraging our networks to source candidates of different genders, backgrounds, and more. This has allowed us to tap into a wider talent pool. As a mentor in the Reed Women in Tech program, I focus on networking and providing opportunities. We also partner with organisations like AFK, an autism charity, and Brokerage, to connect with candidates from various social backgrounds. I am an active member of the D+I forum to stay informed about developments in this area.

Which technology are you currently most excited by, and why?

I believe that AI is a game-changer for the future. We are at the cusp of a major paradigm shift, and the impact of AI on technology, processes and work practices is monumental.

What would an outsider find the most surprising part of your job?

In my day-to-day involvement with technology, I focus on crafting a strategic vision and presenting it back to the business with a focus on profitability and efficiency. Building trust with the leadership team is crucial for the success of any vision.

What's your secret talent?

On a lighter note, my secret talent is being a turntablist and scratch DJ, using actual vinyl. As a DJ and vinyl collector for over 30 years, I have a special man cave dedicated to my gear.

What makes you laugh?

Mostly my wife and kids, but I love the comedians Jonathan Pie and Romesh Raganathan (helps that I grew up with Romesh in Crawley and we used to hang out).