At BIC Innovation, we are led by experienced professionals who bring deep industry knowledge, strategic insight, and a passion for supporting businesses. One of those leaders is Alun Thomas, our Chairperson, who joined BIC after a 42-year career in banking.
With a background in retail banking, alternative business lending (ABL), and boutique finance, Alun spent the last nine years of his banking career at the Development Bank of Wales, where he first encountered BIC Innovation. Seeing the impact of our work first-hand, he was keen to be part of the team.
In this Q&A, Alun shares his journey, what drew him to BIC, and why helping businesses thrive is more than just about finance.
What’s your background Alun?
I’ve been a banker for 42 years. I started off in retail banking, with Barclay’s, and then went on to ABL and all kinds of other boutique type banks. For the last nine years I was working for the Development Bank of Wales and it was that I there I came across BIC and the good work that BIC carries out, so when I left banking some three years ago. I was delighted at the opportunity to work with BIC because I know how good the people are, and what good work they do.
What motivated you to become BIC’s Chairperson?
I hope that I could help, that some of the knowledge and insight I’ve got would be helpful to BIC, but actually what motivated me was to work with really good people, some of the people in BIC are the best people I’ve ever worked with, and not just in finance, they’ve got expertise in other fields and it’s really interesting. I spend a lot of time in meetings listening and learning which is always great, but it’s the people that motivated me.
 What do you enjoy about working for BIC Innovation?
As well as the people I work with it’s actually working with the customers, they’re quite diverse. They’re different sizes, they’re at different stages on their journey, and it’s how we can help. In my previous career most of my help was financial, yes finance is part of it now, but we do a lot more, it’s the overall picture and that’s what’s really exciting.
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Alun’s journey from banking to business leadership reflects what BIC Innovation stands for – bringing together experience, insight, and a people-first approach to supporting businesses. His leadership, passion for learning, and belief in collaboration and growth are an integral part of BIC’s future.
We’re grateful to have Alun as our Chairperson, and we look forward to the expertise, guidance, and enthusiasm he brings to the role!
Picture yourself in our team? Find out about Career and Associate opportunities at BIC Innovation on our website: bic-innovation.com/careers/
