A conversation with Daniele Tonella

You've had a long career, including executive positions in a range of companies from consultancies to insurers and financial services. What attracted you to ING?

I’ve worked in organisations in different sectors with their own challenges and strengths. Some were big and complex, some had to be extra cautious about managing operational risks, some were extremely fast-paced and very good at using technology. ING combines the best of these sectors which makes my role exciting. That’s because ING is a bank with a purpose that pushes the boundaries of what engineering in banking can be and of what technology in banking can do. I am proud to become part of this team that looks beyond the horizon and gets there.

What qualities and experience do you bring to the role?

Firstly, having grown up in Italian-speaking Switzerland, having worked as an engineer in the German-speaking region, and having held executive roles globally, has given me a good understanding of working in a high performing, culturally diverse global company like ING. Secondly, I’ve been exposed to engineering and programming since the 80’s, where I began tinkering on the vintage Texas Instruments TI 99/4a home computer! Truly understanding how technology works makes a big difference as it allows you to be innovative and to push boundaries, but also to be pragmatic. Not chasing fads and focusing on the value and impact that technology will bring for the customer and other end-users.

What's your leadership style?

My approach to leadership is all about people and putting them at heart. It’s important that the team I work with feels empowered to collaborate with all stakeholders, because no big tech idea or any idea for that matter can succeed by a single person driving it. Working this way also energizes and unites people around a common goal. While it’s important to build bridges across teams, I’m mindful that at times leadership also requires making difficult decisions that may not be popular, but necessary for the greater good and I’m comfortable doing that.

What's your view on the current, past and future role of technology in the financial sector?

Technology in the past was often focused on the development of new tools to enable automation and has evolved to support structured data management to the adoption of smartphones in digital banking and to the use of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve financial operations and services. Where we are today has moved its focus beyond single tech tools to the true impact and value they bring to customers and other end users. I see a future where technology will make financial services so adaptable to customers’ needs that these services will be offered at the exact right moment, in a secure way and with smooth usability.

What excites you and gets you out of bed each day?

I’m excited by the promise of what each new day brings! From seeing a talented colleague flourish at work, to learning new things and being inspired by people brimming with new ideas, to solving the unexpected problem that might land on my lap.

Your new role requires you to move to the Netherlands. Will that be a big change for you?

I spent six months working in the Netherlands back in 2000, so the move won’t be a big change. Having worked in culturally diverse environments, I’m excited about the move and to get to know all the colleagues in the organisation, especially in the Tech domain.