James Longstaff

James Longstaff has extensive work experience in various roles within the technology and finance industries. James started their career as a Consultant Software Developer at SSE plc in 2001. Later, they joined the Metropolitan Police as a Police Constable and Field Intelligence Officer from 2002 to 2006.

In 2006, James worked at FRUKT as the Head of Technology and Development, and later as the Head of Operations. James then founded Pixaria Software in 2000, where they developed and marketed two successful products before selling the company in 2012.

From 2008 to 2015, James worked at Raymond James Investment Services first as the Manager of IT Development, and later as the Deputy Head of IT & Chief Architect. During this time, they were responsible for managing IT staff and developing the firm's technical product strategy.

In 2015, James joined LGT Vestra LLP as the IT Director, where they redefined the profile, strategy, and roadmap of the IT function. James successfully implemented a five-year technology strategy, including migrating infrastructure to a virtualized private cloud architecture.

Since 2018, James has been working at Shawbrook Bank. James began as the Head of Delivery, overseeing a multidisciplinary team for change delivery and business application support. Currently, they hold the position of Director of Delivery - Enterprise, responsible for technology delivery and systems change for the SME and Real Estate lending business lines.

Throughout their career, James has demonstrated their expertise in leading teams, implementing agile delivery capabilities, and driving successful technology initiatives within organizations.

James Longstaff attended the University of Bristol from 1994 to 1998, where they earned an MSci degree in Chemistry. In addition to their academic qualifications, they obtained certifications in "Developing and Managing a Successful Technology and Product Strategy" from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and an Investment Operations Certificate from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).