GFT, a provider of business, design, and technology consulting for the financial industry, has made a change in its top ranks, promoting longtime group executive Marika Lulay to the role of CEO with immediate effect.
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The Stuttgart-based consultancy opted to go with Ms. Lulay following her successful tenure as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) and member of its board, two positions she has held for nearly fifteen years dating back to 2002. Her mandate will see her foster and develop GFT’s international expansion, whilst also delivering on a range of new transformative technologies in Europe.
Ms. Lulay’s past accomplishments with the company factored heavily into her promotion, as the past fifteen years have seen a steady increase in GFT’s workforce, in conjunction with several acquisitions and key developments that have continued the group’s upward trajectory in the financial services sector.
Fintech Agenda in Focus
As its CEO, she will also continue to lead the company’s international growth, whilst pushing a more fintech-oriented agenda. This will also see an emphasis on GFT’s Cloud , artificial intelligence (AI), distributed ledger applications and support for some of the world’s largest financial institutions.
She originally joined GFT Group back in 2002, having held several other senior roles in the industry. This included stops at Cambridge Technology Partners as its Regional Vice President as well as a Manager of Professional Services at Software AG, among others dating back to 1986, according to information made public on her Linkedin profile.
Marika Lulay
According to Ms. Lulay in a statement on the appointment: “GFT continues to ‘think global’ and ‘act local’, meaning clients are able to access transnational resources, with specialists on hand to work alongside clients at their offices, whilst experienced teams of delivery resources provide additional support from our efficient nearshore locations.”
“I am delighted to take on the role of CEO to drive GFT forwards in the next phase of its evolution. Success in recent years confirms we’re pursuing the right strategy - not only to establish GFT as an innovative industry specialist, but also to Leverage this as a means to drive international growth in all markets,” she added.
“GFT has always been at the forefront of technology innovation. From client servers in the early 90’s, through the birth of the Internet and into the digitization of our home and professional lives. For 15 years, Marika has ensured GFT remains one-step ahead of these changes, and specifically in the US retail banking market, noted Gareth Richardson, Managing Director, Atlantic Region, GFT in an exclusive statement to Finance Magnates.
"By guiding US teams through the new paradigms, GFT, under Marika’s leadership and deep understanding of our company’s culture and vision, is helping financial institutions overcome challenges of a complex and highly regulated marketplace. The continuity Marika brings to GFT, with her focus on maintaining our sector specialism, ensures we are continually innovating and delivering services to give financial businesses a competitive edge," he explained.
