Alexios Casanis

Professional Summary Contributed to large-scale transformation initiatives across card issuing, acquiring, mobile payments, API modernisation, and treasury management within the banking and fintech sector. Led complex client engagements across European financial institutions, seamlessly combining technical delivery, stakeholder coordination, operational optimisation, and strategic consulting.

Key Project: BNC Canada Transformation Programme

• Programme Leadership: Led the successful Go-Live delivery of a large-scale Credit Card Issuing programme involving approximately 2.5 million cards across 55 distinct card products.
• Operational Readiness: Ensured complete operational readiness, system stability, regulatory alignment, and seamless client onboarding.
• Corporate Banking Deployment: Directed the implementation and deployment of a major Corporate Banking programme serving more than 800,000 corporate accounts across 25 countries, supporting complex multi-country requirements.
• Platform Migration: Spearheaded the end-to-end migration from a legacy CMS platform to the HPS PowerCARD (PWC) ecosystem. Oversaw business continuity, migration governance, data integrity validation, and post-migration stabilisation.
• Product Ownership: Acted as Product Owner for the transformation programme, managing product vision, business priorities, stakeholder engagement, and delivery coordination.
• Strategic Alignment: Coordinated strategic alignment between internal banking stakeholders, external vendors, and cross-functional technical teams to ensure risk mitigation and timely programme execution.
• Quality Assurance: Oversaw UAT validation, operational testing cycles, and Go-Live readiness activities within demanding timelines and highly regulated banking environments.
• Process Optimisation: Contributed to the optimisation of issuing and corporate banking operational processes, enhancing platform scalability, long-term efficiency, and customer experience.

Key Projects: NEXI, Alpha Bank & Cosmote

• System Integration (Cosmote): Successfully delivered the internal PWC v3.5.4 GUI/API/Database implementation, ensuring seamless integration, system stability, and strict alignment with business requirements.
• QA Governance (NEXI): Designed and developed the Test Strategy framework for the NEXI Test Center and Center of Excellence (CoE), establishing structured governance and enhancing delivery efficiency.
• CMS Transition (NEXI): Directed the CMS migration initiative, managing Dispute CMS (DCMS) documentation and operational transition activities to improve dispute management procedures.
• API Modernisation ("Vanilia" Project): Led the transformation project for NEXI and Alpha Bank Greece, overseeing the migration from legacy SoapUI-based integrations to a modern REST API architecture to improve scalability.
• Technical Training: Delivered specialised REST API and SoapUI training programmes to NEXI CoE teams and Alpha Bank IT departments, accelerating project execution readiness.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Acted as a strategic liaison between technical delivery teams and Alpha Bank Business Analysts, coordinating BSD documentation updates and requirement alignments to maximise client satisfaction.
• Testing Optimisation: Spearheaded the development of operational testing templates and process optimisation frameworks, streamlining UAT execution and increasing delivery consistency.
• Go-Live & Customisation (Alpha Bank): Managed Go-Live activities for Alpha Bank Cyprus and supervised Data Warehouse customisation initiatives for Alpha Bank Greece, including implementation support.
• UAT Management: Served as UAT Environment Representative for Alpha Bank Greece and Cyprus, overseeing testing governance, defect coordination, and delivery validation. Collaborated with PwC teams on UAT result delivery, strengthening reporting transparency.
• Leadership Excellence: Directed cross-functional and multicultural teams under demanding delivery timelines. Recognised for strong leadership, adaptability, and a proven ability to consistently achieve project milestones in complex, highly regulated environments.

• Led innovation efforts by proactively identifying needs for new applications and services, ensuring proper controls for managing risks and network security, thus fostering a safer innovation environment.
• Spearheaded innovation initiatives by establishing clear guidelines for non-IT teams' use of internal data, networks, and technology, which enhanced data security and compliance across the organization.
• Collaborated with Sales and Marketing departments to align strategies and drive revenue generation through targeted business objectives.
• Developed and implemented web banking systems, e-solutions, and enhancements for Mobile Applications, which improved user experience for existing clients.
• Managed design and implementation of customized solutions for client accounts in Asia and Oceania, establishing a dedicated datacenter and recruiting specialized staff to enhance service delivery.
• Developed and implemented web banking systems and e-solutions, enhancing mobile applications to improve user experience for existing clients.
• Held various leadership roles including SVP EMEA, Sales Director for ASIA and Oceania, Client Delivery Director, Director of QA Dept, and Deputy Director of Java Development Teams.

• Directed the IT department at Centralus PLC Group as CIO, which involved managing a budget of £500k and leading a team of 20 IT professionals across various roles, ensuring effective IT service delivery.
• Organized and implemented IT transfer to SAP, streamlining operations and enhancing system efficiency across the organization.
• Authorized and oversaw the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and support of all enterprise hardware, software, networking, and telecommunications systems, ensuring reliable operations across the organization.
• Managed disaster recovery and business continuity planning, including documentation, implementation, and testing, which enhanced resilience and reduced downtime risks for all platforms.
• Organized and implemented a significant IT transfer to SAP, which streamlined operations and improved system efficiency for the entire organization.
• Established strategic planning for technology infrastructure, setting clear goals, objectives, and operating procedures that streamlined processes and improved team collaboration.
• Established strategic planning for technology infrastructure, setting clear goals and operating procedures that streamlined processes and fostered team collaboration.
• Recommended and managed the procurement of equipment, supplies, and materials, which helped acquire necessary items efficiently and supported project completion.
• Deployed SharePoint CRM for customer care and sales departments, enhancing communication and collaboration across teams, resulting in improved customer service.

• Managed delivery of multiple IT projects, ensuring completion on time and within budget to uphold high standards and governance guidelines.
• Aligned IT strategy with the Company's business goals, ensuring that all technology initiatives supported overall business objectives.
• Established technical aspects of Business Cases, including specification, procurement, design, configuration, development, and implementation, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.
• Oversaw third-party provision of infrastructure, desktop, and systems support, which ensured reliable and effective IT services for all users.
• Implemented general management practices to ensure governance of all IT risks within the Company, ultimately protecting company assets and data.

• Led a team of software developers, fostering a collaborative environment to drive innovation and meet project deadlines effectively.
• Utilized Jira and Agile methodologies for project management, which helped improve team productivity and project visibility.
• Managed relationships with third-party suppliers, ensuring they met service level agreements and contributed positively to our IT infrastructure.
• Supervised IT infrastructure and facilitated transfer to Navision back-office and LS Retail front office, improving operational capabilities and efficiency.

• Developed and managed SAP customization and interface projects during a one-year fixed contract with Voluton Holdings Ltd, which was essential for improving their SAP system across four group companies.
• Identified and replicated forty key interfaces, streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency through the creation of extracts and upload programs for labeling software.
• Led the identification and replication of forty key interfaces, helping to streamline processes and increase efficiency in operations, as some tasks involved creating extracts and upload programs for labeling software.
• Liaised with the project core business team and key stakeholders to evaluate interface requirements, effectively translating their needs into technical specifications that guided development efforts.
• Oversaw interface development, utilizing tools such as Service Connect and SQL extracts for data upload management, validation, and troubleshooting during user testing to facilitate smoother implementation.
• Implemented enhancements to existing systems, configuring data entry screens to improve user experience and ensure data accuracy.
• Utilized Agile project management software to facilitate project tracking and collaboration, ensuring that all team members were aligned and informed throughout the development process.
• Assisted in specifying and setting up user profiles and security for data access, which helped to maintain data integrity and protect sensitive information.

• Spearheaded management and strategic direction for all group 6 countries in South Europe (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus)
• Led as General Manager for the merchandising and buyer Dept. CEO for branches across 10 countries in South Europe
• Served as Commercial Director for Nautica, La Martina, Timberland in all South Europe regions
• Oversaw Retail Director responsibilities for 150 stores with 200 POS and 800 employees
• Managed recruitment efforts for EU branches and stores, hiring over 120 individuals
• Provided business consulting expertise, analyzing retail store techniques, sales strategies, stock inventory management, with a focus on increasing sales
• Successfully implemented new collection distribution strategy resulting in 70% sales increase and 65% decrease in returned goods at the end of the season
• Demonstrated 9 years of experience in the fashion market with extensive knowledge of apparel and shoes
• Implemented innovative custom retail software utilizing iPhones and iPads for POS, with ecommerce module for online distribution center
• Established loyalty club, managed social media engagement with 1 million fans, and implemented CRM and ERP systems to enhance customer relationships and operational efficiency
• Conducted recruitment for IT department and retail store managers, hiring over 180 individuals
• Led implementation of Navision system and LS retail across headquarters and 9 countries, streamlining operations and improving data management
• Utilized Microsoft SQL BI system for forecasting, budgeting, and KPI tracking
• Managed a team of 55 individuals in the IT department
• Directed development and operation of reverse logistics with automated robotics systems, creating a pioneering logistics model in Europe.

• Acted as CIO for the Administration & Organization of Sprider Stores, providing strategic business consulting.
• Successfully launched the company, developed and staffed departments, and implemented new ERP systems for retail operations in Greece and Cyprus, including merchandising, business management, supply chain, financial services, and Navision and LS Retail Front Office integration.
• Negotiated with partners to localize ERP systems across all 6 countries, enhancing alignment with regional needs
• Received recognition from Microsoft as the best CIO in Europe in 2007 for centralizing ERP and consolidating data with Navision ERP and Ls Retail in Copenhagen.
• Coordinated recruitment for EU branches and stores, strengthening local teams
• Led recruitment efforts for EU branches and stores
• Launched company, developed departments, and implemented ERP systems for retail operations in Greece and Cyprus, integrating merchandising, business management, supply chain, financial services, and Navision and LS Retail Front Office.

• Managed global information technology operations across all companies within the METLEN Group, including Mytilineos Holding and ELVO, which enhanced overall IT alignment and efficiency.
• Oversaw both managerial and technical aspects of IT strategy, helping to shape future directions and operations for the group.
• Acted as a Network and Database Administrator, which ensured optimal performance and reliability of critical IT systems.
• Acted as a programmer and analyst, contributing to the development and maintenance of IT solutions across the organization.
• Administered Oracle and SQL Server databases, which supported data integrity and accessibility for various business units.
• Led the implementation and analysis of a new ERP program in SAP and BAAN for ELVO, specifically for the production line of Mercedes Jeeps for the Army, which streamlined operations and improved data handling.
• Directed a team of 15 in the ERP department, fostering collaboration and driving successful project outcomes.
• Spearheaded the creation of a Data Warehouse system for the company and its ten subsidiaries, which improved data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Upgraded and connected subsidiaries to the global network, enhancing communication and data sharing across the group.
• Acted as the administrator of the computer system and served as an advisor on technical matters regarding telecom systems and the selection of technical equipment, which ensured the organization was equipped with the right tools.
• Supervised a team of five in the M.I.S. department, providing guidance and support to enhance their contributions.
• Leveraged strong knowledge of Treasury Systems like Reuters and Bloomberg, which improved financial data management.
• Utilized Agile project management software to streamline processes and improve project delivery timelines.