Q&A with Anooj Ram, Product Manager
Anooj has worked at Close Brothers for nearly 15 years, and has witnessed first-hand how – despite the Bank’s strong growth – it hasn’t lost what we call the ‘Close Brothers magic’…
What do you like most about working for Close Brothers Asset Finance?
People. I have had the opportunity to work with many executives who have varied leadership styles and have taught me valuable lessons, including overcoming barriers through collaborative and effective efforts.
I’ve also really enjoyed the chance to work on a broad range of projects and with subject matter experts, each presenting a different challenge and bringing with them a great deal of knowledge, which has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
The feeling of being heard, and the flexibility to plan and execute the work keeps me on top of my game.
How would you describe the culture at Close Brothers Asset Finance?
At Close Brothers, we respect and value each other with humility and patience. We acknowledge our differences and recognise our expertise to come together as a team to deliver great customer outcomes. It is such a great place to work.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying for a role with Close Brothers Asset Finance?
I would say, do it. It is such a wonderful place with incredible people. There is tremendous support to be adventurous and try new things; acquire new skills; move in the business - the list is huge.
It’s not just a job, it’s a career.
Is being part of a diverse and inclusive business important to you? If yes, why?
It has been proven scientifically that a diverse group has the best chance to not only succeed, but thrive. We are all different people who work together to be the finance partner of choice, and we might take different paths, but it’s to achieve the same goal.
I want to work for a company that accepts people for who they are.
What has been the biggest change in the business you have witnessed since joining?
From the business point of view, the biggest change I have witnessed was the Close Brothers rebranding, which saw Close Brothers emerge as a bigger and stronger brand.
From a technology point of view, the Transformation programme was the biggest, whether it is size, complexity or value. I not only witnessed it, but played a key role on the back-office banking platform replacement.
What opportunities for progression and development have you had?
I joined Close Brothers in the Technology stream but got an opportunity to shift to Operations and work on business processes and their re-engineering. I also got to lead business analysts and owned the banking platform, which I am enjoying immensely.
How has Close Brothers Asset Finance supported your career development?
Close Brothers supported me to keep abreast of ways of working and provided various internal and speciality external courses and professional certifications, which allowed me to grow within the organisation.
On-the-job learning means I get to work with various business stakeholders who are industry leading, and the management learnings from the executives are priceless.
What exposure do you have in your role to other areas of the business?
Because I’m in the business of ‘change’, I work with all areas of the business due to the constantly changing environment.
My role is impacted by both internal and external factors, from leadership actions and resources to regulatory and technology.
What initiatives are the business currently working on that are important to you?
Replacement of the back office ecosystem which will provide a brand-new banking platform under Asset Finance’s multimillion pound Transformation programme. It’s an extremely important piece of work that will not only help us to settle the technical debt we were carrying, but will also introduce the framework to generate efficiencies.
And finally, what do you do to unwind from the rigours of your role?
I have a young family. My 11 year-old ‘social’ daughter and eight year-old ‘inquisitive’ son make me want to go home as soon as I am done with my professional responsibilities.
We love doing experiments and enjoy outdoor trips. There’s the magic of air pressure, centripetal force, and the reaction between acids and bases are so much fun that we have a room full of science stuff. When weather allows, we love to hike and make trips to animal parks.
Apart from this, my best unwinding technique is cooking. I find it therapeutic to cook with colourful vegetables, various meats and aromatic spices … a perfect way to charge my batteries!
