Rohit Dhawan was appointed by Lloyds Banking Group as Director of AI (artificial intelligence) at the Group’s new AI Centre of Excellence, bringing together experts in Data Science, Behavioral Science, ML Engineering, Advanced Analytics and AI Ethics.

Rohit Dhawan, who has served as the AWS Head of Data Strategy for Asia Pacific for about four years, will be responsible for shaping the overall AI, ML and advanced analytics strategy of the Lloyds Banking Group.

Rohit holds a PhD in AI from the University of Sydney. At AWS, he pioneered several strategic developments, including the integration of AI into customer and operational processes and the establishing of a multi-disciplinary data and AI function.

“I’m delighted to welcome Rohit Dhawan as our new Director of AI and Advanced Analytics. Rohit’s appointment is a significant boost for the strategic development of AI technology and capabilities within Lloyds Banking Group, with his wealth of experience delivering technology and change, at pace and scale. Rohit will work across the business to further integrate AI outcomes into business priorities, helping us to scale AI in a consistent way and deliver against our strategy.”

Ranil Boteju, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Lloyds Banking Group

In his new role, the AWS veteran will drive technical excellence and promote AI-enabled products and services. The main goal of the new Lloyds’ AI Centre of Excellence is to enhance and transform the experience for the Group’s 27 million customers.

“It’s a privilege to join Lloyds Banking Group, and I’m excited to work for an organisation undergoing one of the largest transformations in financial services and look at how we can transform the way we use data and tech to respond to changing customer needs. I’m looking forward to progressing the Group’s ambitious AI strategy and maximising opportunities across the organisation as part of the Group’s purpose to help Britain prosper.”

Rohit Dhawan, Director of AI and Advanced Analytics at Lloyds Banking Group

Lloyds is committed to attracting and retaining leading AI and Ethics talent within the UK. The Group is also focusing on nurturing young professionals in AI and Data Science through its data science graduate programme.

In 2022, the banking group announced a new strategic plan which presupposed the acceleration of digitalisation and advanced data use. Last year, Lloyds partnered with Enigio to digitise its trade finance documentation, delivering faster, more affordable, flexible, sustainable and secure blockchain solutions for its clients.

The Group believes the integration of AI and analytics across operations will improve the overall customer experience. It is mulling over 50 AI use cases including increasing the speed of support, quality of chatbot tools and detecting early warning signs of fraud.