Tandem Bank has hired Russell Strevens as chief technology officer, handing him responsibility for accelerating the bank’s digital transformation as it sharpens its focus on value for customers and more sustainable financial choices.

Strevens (pictured) brings extensive experience in technology leadership across financial services and other regulated sectors.

Tandem said his appointment marks a key stage in its plans to simplify products, enhance app performance and increase the use of AI to improve services for customers and colleagues.

He joins from Small World Financial Services, where he oversaw global engineering, cybersecurity and technology functions, modernising core infrastructure and introducing a cloud-first architecture.

Earlier in his career he served as CTO at Bó, NatWest’s digital challenger, taking its mobile banking service from concept to a live current account for 10,000 users. He spent nearly a decade at BT, rising to CIO for BT Consumer with responsibility for broadband, mobile, TV, digital services and cyber-security. His work there included the launch of BT Mobile, BT Sport and Ultrafast Broadband.

Neil Chandler, chief executive of Tandem Bank, said: “Russell brings the energy, ambition and technological firepower we want at Tandem. He’s an expert at turning complex, cutting-edge tech into intuitive experiences for customers – across both challenger brands and big businesses.

“As we continue our journey towards being digital-first and delivering even more value for customers, we’re thrilled to have Russell on board.”

Strevens said: “Tandem is at a hugely exciting moment. There’s a real opportunity to push the boundaries of what digital-first, value-led, customer-focused banking looks like, and I’m delighted to join a team that’s hungry to make it happen.

“My focus will be building the platforms and technology foundations that help us move faster and deliver products people genuinely benefit from – products that deliver value and support sustainable choices.”

He will now lead Tandem’s technology, engineering and digital transformation strategy as the challenger bank looks to strengthen its position in 2026 and beyond.