I am

An app developer, software architect and recently, a tech lead, who enjoys the finer aspects of programming as a craft; clean code, agile work environments, product focused apps, test driven development, new languages, tools and ideas.

I toiled away writing backend Java enterprise systems in a past life, before becoming a born-again developer after making the move to writing mobile applications. Now, I lead multidisciplinary teams in crafting beautiful, high-quality, and resilient applications for companies.

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

I'm here

You can find me online here.

I'm currently

Mobile Technology Lead

Travelex - 2023

• #techLead
• #multiPlatform
• #finTech
• #mentoring

As the Mobile Technology Lead at Travelex, I lead young, dynamic iOS and Android teams, helping them produce safe, robust and scalable applications.

My current focus is on modernizing our ways of working and updating the toolset used. I explore new technologies, processes, and features for our app, enabling users to safely manage their money while abroad.

I am driving a product driven development to help focus on user experience and ensure Travelex's apps remains innovative and trusted by travelers worldwide.

Spare Time

• #crossplatform
• #kotlinMultiplatformMobile
• #swift
• #architecture

Beyond my day job, I'm passionate about exploring the latest trends and technologies in mobile development. Recently, I've been fascinated by Kotlin Multiplatform for Mobile (KMM) 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 KMM 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)

• #cross-platform
• #multidisciplinary
• #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]