The 2013 Tech 50: David Gledhill

As Singapore banking leader DBS grows across Asia — with more than 200 branches in 15 markets — it relies on David Gledhill’s IT platform and 5,000-strong workforce to ensure smooth sailing. Gledhill knows the geography, having worked in the region for more than two decades, rising to head of Asian investment banking operations at JPMorgan Chase & Co. before joining DBS Bank, which has 373 billion Singapore dollars ($295 billion) in assets, in 2008. The 51-year-old head of group technology and operations has spearheaded the installation of Infosys’ Finacle core banking software and a new wealth management system while investing in mobile services, infrastructure stability and security. “Our key IT priorities include building a robust platform, being nimble and more responsive to real needs that arise in real time, moving from being transaction-driven to information-focused and growing an innovative culture to enable our people to explore and develop new initiatives,” says Gledhill, who sits on DBS’s seven-member executive committee and is chairman of its Innovation Council. In the latter role the U.K. native is overseeing the bank’s efforts to use “analytics and big data to enhance the customer experience,” he says. “We are looking at leveraging voice analytics at the call center and optimizing the way we deliver service and send offers and promotions to customers.”