Lloyds recruits first director of AI

Dhawan joins Lloyds Banking Group from Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he was head of data and AI strategy for Asia-Pacific. At AWS, he led work including establishing a multi-disciplinary data and AI function.  

In the new role, Dhawan will lead the company’s AI centre of excellence, which brings together its specialists in data science, behavioural science, machine learning (ML) engineering, advanced analytics and AI ethics. He will be responsible for the overall AI, ML and advanced analytics strategy and for promoting the use of AI-based products and services. 

He will report to group chief data and analytics officer Ranil Boteju. 

Boteju said: “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.” 

As part of a strategy announced in February 2022, Lloyds is aiming to boost how it uses digital technology and data to support customers, and trialling various use cases for AI, including detecting early fraud warning signs. The appointent of Dhawan is part of a raft of new hires; the company has appointed around 1,500 technology and data specialists to date in 2024.