I am

A software engineer who has over a decade of experience in London's mobile app space. I've worked as an app developer, a software architect and tech lead.

I am equally comfortable in large enterprises as part of highly integrated teams, and in the start-up scene, working closely with founders and CTOs.

I enjoy the finer aspects of programming as a craft; clean code, agile work environments, product focused apps, test driven development, new languages, tools and ideas.

In between I'm a ferocious podcast listener, especially while cycling. Sometimes I play guitar or kick a hacky sack. I love Stack Overflow GPTChat and Brew Dog beers.

I'm here

You can find me online here.

I'm currently

Mobile Engineering Lead

Travelex - 2023

• #finTech
• #swift
• #reactNative
• #product
• #replatforming
• #architect

I am leading Travelex's app digital transformation, focusing specifically on the migration of their legacy native applications to modern, high-performant, reliable and scalable cross-platform applications.

Currently, my team and I are focused on a pivotal project—rebuilding our native code base using React Native. This move is instrumental in our transition to a digital-first approach, showcasing our commitment to cutting-edge technology.

As a solution architect, I help develop and upgrade the smooth interaction between our suite of apps and other services. I am also responsible for managing the roadmap in close collaborationg with the Product Manager and Owners.

I am responsible ensuring our app meet the various regulatory requirements, such as PCI and DP assesments, as well as managing regular pen-tests and security reviews.

Spare Time

• #swift
• #kotlin
• #kotlinMultiplatform
• #architecture

Beyond my day job, I'm exploring the latest trends and technologies in mobile development. Recently, I've been fascinated by Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) and its potential to enable native and scalable applications without duplicating code bases.

Currently working on personal project called Garnish, an interactive podcast application that leverages KMP and explores new approaches to native app architecture.

When the moment strikes, I throw a few words down on my blog http://alasda.ir

I've done

• 
  • - Fin Tech
  • - Forex Trading
  • - Global
• 
  • - Live Streaming
  • - Shopping
  • - Full stack
• 
  • - 100% Native
  • - Multiple jurisdictions
  • - CI/CD Automation
• 
  • - #1 Travel App
  • - Massive Scale
  • - Product Driven
• 
  • - 20K MAU
  • - Brand Recog
  • - 4.5 ⭐️ App
• 
  • - iOS
  • - Windows Phone
  • - Android
• 
  • - 2M Downloads
  • - 180M Plays
  • - 7K DAUs

I've been

Technology Lead

VIOU - 2023

• #techLead
• #fullstack
• #VOD
• #liveStreaming

Lead VIOU's technology team to develop a live luxury commerce platform connecting brands with their devoted communities. I ran a full-stack team of engineers to build a high quality, rich, beautiful shopping and streaming application.

Through close collaboration with the Product and Marketing teams, we continually pushed the limits of the online shopping domain and found new ways to delight our users.

Head of Mobile

Markor Technology (2023 - 2021)

• #swift/kotlin
• #strategy
• #architecture
• #compliance
• #iGaming

Brought into Markor Technology to support and grow their native iGaming mobile application stacks.

Was responsible for helping a young, small and inexperienced team produce higher quality apps by utilising modern, enterprise level processes and structures. This included implementing a product driven development method, incorporating good, clean coding practises and choosing the right architecture for the size and ambition of the company.

Senior iOS Engineer

Trainline (2021 - 2017)

• #ios
• #swift
• #swiftui
• #enterprrise
• #delivery
• #architecture

Senior iOS engineer at Trainline delivering high frequency, high quality features on app using multi-talented cross cluster teams.

Multidisciplinary work including payment systems integration, European operations and UK growth features.

This involved working closely with Product, Design and Analytics to create the best experience.

Product & Team Lead

Music start-up (2017-2013)

• #product
• #agile
• #architect
• #lead
• #api
• #remote

Team lead of a five person iOS team, some of whom worked remote. Typical start-up juggling, multiple responsibilities. Promoted to Product Owner.

Mobile & JAVA Developer

Ocado (2012 - 2009)

• #objc
• #iOS
• #c-sharp
• #wp7
• #android
• #SCRUM
• #J2EE

Java Engineer, Windows Phone early-adopter, Android tinkerer, iOS convert.

System Administrator

National Bioinformatics Network (2008 - 2006)

• #python
• #perl
• #mathematica
• #ubuntu

Linux administrator, python hacker, bioinformatic enthusiast.

Junior JAVA Developer

Content Delivery (2005 - 2004)

• #java
• #j2ee
• #swing

First job. First start-up. First failure.

I'm certified

SCRUM Masters Course [Skills Matter 2011]

BSc. Honours Computer Science, Cum Laude (1st) [University of KwaZulu-Natal 2002]