New chief operating officer to reshape strategic approach to IT

Gopi Chelliah Premium Credit

Premium Credit has appointed Gopi Chelliah as its new chief operating officer (COO) following the company’s recent £900m sale to management and private equity firm GTCR from MBNA Europe.

Russell Investments former chairman and chief executive Andrew Doman assumed the role of Premium Credit chief executive following the deal with GTCR, and has hired Chelliah to lead the company’s strategic approach to IT.

Chelliah has almost 20 years’ experience in senior roles within the banking industry, with a background in IT and operations strategy and delivery.

Before joining Premium Credit he was also at Russell Investments where he was the global head of IT and operations.

He also held the role of interim chief executive at Russell Investments, as well as serving on the executive committee.

Chelliah’s other previous roles include COO of ING Wholesale Banking, managing director and chief investment officer for cross business technology and operations at Deutsche Bank, and managing director, global head of cash equity IT at UBS. 

Doman said that strong IT and operations were critical to the long-term growth vision for Premium Credit. He added that Chelliah’s experience would give the firm the opportunity to further improve its online integration with intermediaries and customers.

“I am delighted to welcome Gopi to the Premium Credit leadership team. His experience and expertise in the banking industry will be invaluable in helping us shape and drive our IT and operations as we move the business forward and build an expansion strategy for us as an independent business,“ Doman said.