LGT Wealth Management appoints chief tech officer

LGT Wealth Management has appointed Willem Strydom as its new chief technology officer.

Strydom joins LGT from Macquarie Wealth where he served as the director of engineering, overseeing its platform modernisation and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy.

In his new role, he will lead the continued development of LGT's platforms, engineering capabilities, data infrastructure and AI initiatives.

"Good technology should feel like an integral part of good advice, not something added on. When the two work together seamlessly, clients receive a better experience," Strydom said.

"That approach is already part of the culture at LGT and was one of the things that attracted me to the firm. I look forward to working closely with the team, particularly on AI, where there is significant potential to create value for advisers and clients."

Earlier in his career, Strydom held senior roles at Avaloq and Temenos, including work on the BT Panorama transformation for Westpac. He has also founded a South African software business and grew it to approximately 50 employees before its sale.

LGT Wealth Management chief executive Mike Chisholm said delivering high-quality advice increasingly depends on the technology, data and investment capabilities supporting advisers.

"Willem will help us connect these capabilities more effectively across the business, giving our people better access to investment insights and client information, simplifying service processes and allowing them to spend more time with clients," Chisholm said.

Strydom will focus on helping advisers deliver more tailored and consistent advice as clients' needs become increasingly sophisticated.

Chisholm added clients expect sophisticated investment capabilities and a simple, responsive service experience tailored to their individual circumstances.

"Willem has extensive experience delivering wealth management technology at scale, combined with the commercial perspective of having founded and built a technology business," Chisholm said.

"This combination will be important as we continue investing in a secure and scalable platform that brings together LGT's global capabilities with the local service and personal relationships our clients value."