Ian Appleton (Fcca)
About Ian Appleton (Fcca)
Ian Appleton is the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Global Business Management at HSBC, where he has worked since 2019. He has extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning, having held various roles at HSBC and other financial institutions over the past two decades.
Current Role at HSBC
Ian Appleton serves as the COO and Head of Global Business Management for RBWM IT, focusing on Channels, RBB, Global Standards, and SSP. He has held this position since 2019, contributing to the strategic direction and operational management of the organization. His role involves overseeing various business functions to ensure alignment with HSBC's global objectives.
Previous Experience at HSBC
Ian Appleton has extensive experience at HSBC, having worked in various roles over several years. He served as the Global Strategic Planning and Finance Manager for RBWM IT COO for 10 months in 2016-2017. Prior to that, he was the Global Planning and Analysis Manager for Global Legal (COO) from 2015 to 2016. His tenure also includes roles as Global Financial Controller, Senior Global Business Manager, and Senior Planning and Analysis Manager, all contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the organization.
Career Background in Finance
Before joining HSBC, Ian Appleton held significant positions in finance at several organizations. He worked as a Senior Finance Manager at Aviva from 2004 to 2007 and as Head of Group Financial Accounting at F&C Asset Management from 1999 to 2004. Additionally, he served as a Senior Financial Accountant at Newton Investment Management from 1997 to 1999. This diverse background has equipped him with a robust skill set in financial management and strategic planning.
Achievements in Financial Management
Ian Appleton has implemented several initiatives that have led to substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Notably, he achieved cost savings exceeding $10 million in 2019 by instituting new controls around headcount and third-party spending. He also rolled out a financial reporting process that enhanced transparency and drove economies of scale, demonstrating his focus on financial rigor and governance.
Project Management and Process Improvement
In his roles, Ian Appleton has focused on enhancing project management and operational processes. He implemented a portfolio health model using Jira and Confluence, which improved delivery assurance and governance measures. He also transitioned his team to Kanban and daily stand-ups, which increased workflow efficiency and transparency in project delivery.