Alasdair McCall

I'm currently

Mobile App - Technology Lead / Technical Product Owner

Travelex - Since 2023

As the Mobile App Technology Lead at Travelex, I spearheaded key initiatives to stabilize and modernize their native mobile applications, resulting in significant improvements in performance, user experience, and conversion rates.

More recently I guided Travelex's app transformation, migrating their legacy applications (iOS and Android) to a modern, high-performant React Native codebase. My role transitioned to Mobile App Technology Product Owner.

Achievements

📱 Led native app team. 14 direct reports, myself reporting to Product Director

🗺️ Developed app roadmap and strategy for board and stakeholders

🤖 Reduced release cycles from quarterly to weekly via CI/CD automation

💳 Halved payment failure rates (KPI) from 30% to 15% through code analysis and improvements

📈 Improved team performace introducing modern Agile methodology and rituals

📅 Led Travelex's app digital transformation, releasing the next-generation cross-platform app on time and within budget through expert domain understanding, planning, and execution

🛍️ Improved key conversion metric by 50% via UX improvements and optimizing API usage

⛑️ Achieved a 99.96% crash-free rate, ensuring a stable and reliable user experience

⬇️ Decreased onboarding drop-off rates from 35% to 8% by analyzing user data to address flow pain points

🛡️ Maintained security and regulatory compliance (annual penetration tests, PCI, and C&R assessments) by proactively integrating security requirements and industry best practices

I am

A mobile app expert with over a decade of experience crafting high-impact products in London's vibrant tech scene. I've spearheaded successful projects as an app developer, tech lead and engineering manager, guiding teams and shaping technology in both large enterprises and dynamic startups.

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

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

As a manager of engineers, I thrive on helping diverse teams pull in the same direction through agile methodologies, constructive feedback, and targeted mentoring, empowering individuals and cultivating a positive, high-performing environment.

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

Spare Time

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.

This interest fuels my personal project, Garnish – an interactive podcast app that leverages KMP and explores innovative approaches to native app architecture.

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

I'm here

You can find me online here.

I've done

I've been

Technology Lead

VIOU - 2023

Led VIOU's technology team in developing a live luxury commerce platform, connecting brands with their devoted communities. I managed a small full-stack engineering team to build the next interactive online shopping app.

Through close collaboration with Product and Marketing, we consistently explored the boundaries of online shopping, finding innovative ways to delight our users.

Head of Mobile

Markor Technology (2023 - 2021)

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

I was responsible for guiding a young, small, and inexperienced team to produce higher-quality apps by implementing modern, enterprise-level processes and structures. This included establishing a product-driven development methodology, incorporating clean coding practices, and selecting an appropriate architecture for the company's size and ambitions.

Senior iOS Engineer

Trainline (2021 - 2017)

As a Senior iOS Engineer at Trainline, I delivered high-frequency, high-quality features by collaborating with multi-talented, cross-functional teams.

My work spanned diverse areas, including payment systems integration, European operations, and UK growth features. This involved close collaboration with Product, Design, and Analytics to create optimal user experiences.

Product & Team Lead

Music start-up (2017-2013)

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

Mobile & JAVA Developer

Ocado (2012 - 2009)

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

System Administrator

National Bioinformatics Network (2008 - 2006)

Linux administrator, python hacker, bioinformatic enthusiast.

Junior JAVA Developer

Content Delivery (2005 - 2004)

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]