Roland Ellingworth

Director of Technology @Gray Core

Partner💰 Investor & VC🔥 Startup Founder✔️ ITBusiness Owner💼 C-level ExecutiveCTO🧨 ConsultingVenture PartnerCOOManaging PartnerProduct ManagerProject ManagerBusiness AnalystAdvisorCustomer ResearcherEngagement Manager

Roland's career spans multiple roles within digital solutions and technology functions most recently as Chief Technology Officer. He has more than 20 years of technology experience focused on digital solutions across financial services, consulting and retail. Roland completed his MBA in 2010 and focused his masters dissertation on Loyalty Programmes within the Health Insurance sector. Roland has worked with leading brands both locally and internationally including Vitality, Starbucks, Dominos Pizza and large banking and FTSE 100 clients. He formed part of the initial launch team for Vitality in the UK, delivering digital solutions with brands such as Virgin, Sainsburys and Boots. Roland later worked within the insurance and banking sectors to lead the identification, build and rollout of digital products, specially to service end consumers. Roland was CTO at Taste Holdings, a holding company in South Africa that was responsible for launching Starbucks and Dominos Pizza in South Africa.

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Work Background

PPT Group (Pty) LtdDirector

Dec. 2019Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomPPT is a specialist R&D firm that provides AI and technology strategy and innovation services to a diverse range of clients, with expertise in executing projects across various technology solutions. The business has successfully scaled to service multiple clients across different industries. As one of the founding members, I have been personally responsible for this growth. Key accomplishments include: • Successfully launched and scaled the business, both locally and internationally. • Developed and implemented a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence strategy and execution framework, resulting in live Large Language Model (LLM) solution implementations for clients. • Built a highly competent team of engineers, business analysts, and data analysts, delivering client solutions using various technology platforms. • Provided strategic leadership to the business and teams, across various consulting engagements with customers. • Managed and successfully launched e-commerce apps, including loyalty programs, reaching over 1.5 million users. • Serviced prominent clients such as Starbucks, Walmart South Africa, Famous Brands, and a FTSE 100 client in London.

Taste Holdings Limited (Starbucks & Dominos Pizza South Africa)CTO

Aug. 2018 - Nov. 2019South AfricaResponsibilities include development of and leading the innovation and technology strategy and execution for the group with a primary focus on digital solutions. Identify how best to leverage technology platforms and services to deliver a sustainable competitive advantage.

Taste Holdings Limited (Starbucks & Dominos Pizza South Africa)Innovation and Customer Strategy

Aug. 2016 - Sep. 2018Johannesburg Area, South AfricaSteer overall digital innovation and customer strategy agenda. Launch a digital payment and loyalty solution (Starbucks Rewards) in South Africa. Launch of a fully integrated business intelligence and insights capability to further drive the overall digital agenda. Identify and implement digital initiatives to differentiate the business. Digital product management.

WesBankProduct Development - Loyalty & Customer Strategy

Jan. 2013 - Jul. 2016Johannesburg Area, South Africa• Create the product vision, strategy, and roadmap • Research and identify new opportunities for digital solutions team to innovate • Work closely with digital teams across the bank to define and implement digital products and services

MomentumBusiness Solutions Manager - Multiply Rewards

Feb. 2012 - Dec. 2012South AfricaManaged the team responsible for strategic project delivery. Focus was centred around conceptualisation and the implementation of the business unit strategy and product requirements, including the identification of new product launches with in the loyalty and rewards business unit.

The IQ Business Group (Pty) Ltd, RSAManager - Process Innovation

Dec. 2010 - Jan. 2012South Africa• Prepare business and engagement models for clients, including implementation roadmaps. • Management of a team of consultants on client engagements.

Discovery LimitedBusiness Solutions Manager - Vitality

Jan. 2009 - Nov. 2010Johannesburg Area, South Africa• Planning and executing strategic projects within Vitality (Discovery Holdings Rewards, Health & Wellness programme). • Steer business changes as well as identify and manage the implementation of key initiatives. • Recognise and deliver improved customer value.

Vitality UKBusiness Process Consultant (Team Leader - Vitality)

Feb. 2007 - Jan. 2009Johannesburg Area, South Africa• Identified and managed integration with partner companies • Managed business requirements across finance, new business and member servicing. • Developed customer experience modelling and analysis capability. • Initiated and managed product requirements.

Vitality UKBusiness Process Analyst (PruHealth - Vitality)

Oct. 2005 - Jan. 2007South Africa• Designed and implemented business processes for launch of a startup in the UK. • Involved in the development of the rewards programme and partner integration processes across international business sites.

TCM (IBM Business Partner)Senior Software Consultant

Jan. 2000 - Sep. 2005Software and Services consulting with a specific focus on IBM products