I am

An app developer, software architect and recently, a mobile team 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.

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

Head of Mobile

Markor Technology - 2021

• #mobileHead
• #iGaming
• #architecture
• #product

Leading the mobile app team at Markor Technology, a global iGaming platform for the world’s top casinos and brands. I am running a cross-platform team building scalable, highly automated, and resilient native-first applications for Android and iOS stores.

This involves building a multidisciplinary team from scratch, designing and implementing a modern, scalable, functionally complete architecture for both iOS and Android tech stacks.

Other responsibilities involved a deep integration with the Product and Legal teams to ensure we delivered, not only world class gambling apps, but apps that adhered to each gambling jurisdictions rules as well as Apple's strict App Store guidelines.

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

In between work I spend time working on personal projects that come to mind. Currently thinking about the state of mobile development and how to create native and scalable applications without duplicating the native stacks and code base. Currently very excited about Kotlin Multiplatform for Mobile (KMM)

Currently working/thinking about an interactive podcast application called Garnish and testing ideas around KMM and native app architecture.

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

I've done

• 
  • - 100% Native
  • - Multiple jurisdictions
  • - CI/CD Automation
• 
  • - #1 Travel App
  • - Massive Scale
  • - Product Driven Dev
• 
  • - 20K Monthly Users
  • - 9K Paying Users
  • - 4.5 Stars App Store
• 
  • - iOS
  • - Windows Phone
  • - Android
• 
  • - 2M Downloads
  • - 180M Plays
  • - 7K daily users

I've been

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]