Mehul Desai: Transforming banking

What is your professional and educational background?

I am currently the Chief Administrative Officer for HSBC UK. I have been with the Bank for nearly nine years, initially in the US, then moving to the UK in early 2020. As the CAO, I am accountable for leading a wide range of strategic activities to help our senior executives and board members make critical decisions around technology and other core functions of the Bank. One day I am helping identify transformation opportunities to drive sustainable efficiencies, and the next day it’s looking at innovative fintechs and technologies can help accelerate revenue growth for the Bank. In my role, I also help ensure that the various UK COO functions are operating in a seamless, efficient, and ‘forward-thinking’ manner. There is no job description, and that’s what makes the job exciting!

My career started off at Accenture where I was initially a coder, helping build enterprise software for some of the world’s largest banks; a really invaluable experience that gave me a solid foundation in tech. I eventually moved to Strategy& (PwC Company), where I took on a more strategic role, helping C-level executives define technology and operational strategies and implement complex business transformations.

Before entering the workforce, I completed undergraduate degrees in Economics and Management Information Systems at the University at Albany in New York. It was here that I developed a love for operational efficiency and technology and embarked on my career as a management consultant.

What is the most exciting thing about your work?

There is no job description, and that’s what makes things exciting! I also love the impact that I am able to make on a daily basis. My role gives me exposure to how our board members think about technology, and its likely impact to our customers, business, regulators, and other stakeholders. I am at forefront of this analysis that helps shape some of their decisions. Understanding how the board discharges their responsibilities has taught me a lot on how a business operates. I also love being a part of an organisation that truly cares and supports its people, hence my nine year tenure at the Bank. I have the opportunity to work with some of the most dynamic, engaging, and trusting people, where there is no status quo. There is always room for improvement, and that’s what keeps me going!

What made you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?

I have been in the banking industry for nearly 25 years, and was looking to get a much more broader and diverse exposure. There are some amazing innovative ideas and progress in other industries that I want to be able to learn, and subsequently apply to my career. The ability to learn from a diverse peer group as well as distinguished academics was the motivation to pursue an Executive MBA. Also, I view this as good ‘break’ from my job to allow me to reflect on my past 25 years and help bring some reflection and perspective to what I have learned over these years.

What attracted you to Cambridge Judge?

Cambridge Judge was the only business school I was interested in. First and foremost, it’s Cambridge! A unique and prestigious brand, with a history that is unparalleled. Second, if you are looking to be at the forefront of innovation, then Cambridge is the place to be. Being in the heart of ‘Silicon Fen’, you are part of an extraordinary ecosystem of academics and entrepreneurs that is dubbed the ‘Cambridge phenomenon’. Lastly, the programme structure made the best sense for me – the program delivery over weekends and week-long blocks, allows me to continue to progress in my professional life.

What are your career ambitions in the long term?

In whatever I do, what is most important is that I make an impact. In the short to medium term, I intend to continue on the journey I am on – whether it is as CAO or as a COO. In the longer term, I am open to the possibilities of what my experience at Cambridge might afford. Whatever it is, I am sure it will be some blend of business, technology, and innovation.