Engineering, Data, AI & Security

Hi, I’m Hemant :)

A techie based in Manchester. Working in technology for over 15 years, I care about how software is built, who builds it, and its potential to improve lives.

Be it technology modernisation, Data and AI strategy, or just helping engineering teams to make better decisions, I believe in keeping things simple, delivering value quickly and creating environments where people feel supported and inspired.

Hemant Kumar at the summit of Snowdon

At the summit of Snowdon, Wales

What I do

I’m the Director of R&D at Finova. My background is in technology modernisation and building and scaling engineering and data teams. I have delivered transformation programmes across financial services, the public sector and healthcare - experience that has taught me how to get teams delivering at pace while keeping governance and security front of mind.

Before Finova, I worked with SAAS companies in product development and with IT consultancies driving digital transformation, most recently as an Engineering Manager at Accenture, where I guided client executives through cloud migrations and tech strategy, and ran a security community of practice to develop cybersecurity skills across Accenture UK engineering.

I’m interested in creating environments where experimentation, learning, curiosity and a bit of bravery are encouraged. I also write and speak about designing, testing and securing software. Amidst rambling about stuff I also manage to write some code which is available on my GitHub page. It has a bunch of things, from open source contributions to what I am currently learning and experimenting with.

Beyond work

When not at work - cricket, yoga and hiking keep me occupied. Incidentally I also happen to have completely dispassionate opinions and views encompassing politics, history, Indian philosophy and cultural thought. Some of my musings can be found on Twitter and in this space too.