In 2021 I ended my career in digital finance after 16 full-time years in the digital banking and real estate space, in order to pursue a lifelong dream of moving to Iceland to study Icelandic. Though a drastic change, it came at the right time. Some dreams won't last forever, and I never wanted to ask myself "what if?". Leaving a secure and stable job during a pandemic might seem irresponsible, but for my own wellbeing it had to be done and I'm absolutely happy with the decision.
Living in Iceland has been refreshing to say the least. As I'm getting my head around the language with the help of my university course, I'm finding the space to develop my photographic and social media skills by running my digital mobile phone museum (The Flipside Story) and chasing the northern lights wherever and whenever I can. To see my work, I'd love to invite you to my channels @christianrenelegere, @emerald_skies_of_iceland and @the_flipside_story which I hope you'll find informative and engaging.
My biggest goal over the next 2-3 years is to master Icelandic on a personal and professional level whilst exploring and finding my next career opportunity. I deliberately keep an open mind and heart to what stirs my passions, and I won't be discussing any 5 year plans with anyone deliberately.
Whatsapp / Mobile: +354 790 3190
Email: legerechristian@gmail.com
September 2021 onwards
Reykjavík, Iceland
The degree is split into Icelandic culture, grammar and phonetic studies and serves a basis for linguistics.
June 2002 to May 2005,
Coffs Harbour, Australia
This degree covered introductions and advanced courses in Web Design & Development, 3D Modeling, Game Design & Development, Audio & Visual Media, Information Technology (IT) and Media Publishing. The Major encompassed additional studies in Instructional Design and Psychology.
Year 10 to 12, Sep 2000 to June 2002
Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA
I spent two years in Idaho as a foreign exchange student and completed my years 10 and 11 at Bonneville High School, and completed the remaining credit requirements for my year 12 through Brigham Young University's online portal during my Junior year in 2001/2002, allowing me to officially graduate from Bonneville in the same year.
Year 7 to 9, Sep 1997 to June 2000
Freyung, Germany
I attended Realschule Freyung for 3 years (year of completion would have otherwise been Year 10 in 2001) and obtained my German Secondary Qualification, or Mittlere Reife, as a result of my High School Diploma.
May 2022 - now, part-time
This role plays a vital part in my language acquisition, and more importantly, it enables me to take part in the local culture. The general jist of it is to support the daily operations of the Day Centre, support the needs and care for our residents and simply be there for them to make their day. This work is heavy on soft skills, which can be challenging when new language skills are still developing.
September 2021 - now
Studying Icelandic is a personal challenge and passion I've had for the last 20 years and is opening new experiences and doors in my personal and professional life.
Jun 2019 - Jun 2021
To help accelerate the significant implementation of our new digital banking platforms which I shaped in my role as Global Product Owner, I took the opportunity to proactively manage this change across 11 markets in Asia Pacific. In this role it was key to bring together my technical knowledge of the platforms in order to support our local businesses in managing this change across both browser and the mobile App.
Jan 2017 - Jun 2019
In this role I look after the development and delivery of HSBC's browser based online banking platforms for HSBC Group. The Everyday Banking tribe covers all core account and transactional epics for the bank's retail customers. Scrum teams operate in SAFE Agile and are based out of Pune, India, where I spent 5 months on a Short Term Assignment, which is otherwise run out of the Hong Kong and London offices.
Oct 2014 - Jan 2017
As part of this excellent opportunity, I was focused on supporting the development of the Greater Bay (formerly known as Pearl River Delta) proposition for HSBC Digital, China. This involved analysing and benchmarking HSBC's products and services against that of the local banks, and introducing services like WeChat Banking, upgrading our browser and mobile based services, and enable improved digital product and customer onboarding.
Short Term Assignment,
Nov 2013 - Feb 2014
Assisting the new Head of Digital gave me an outstanding opportunity to develop a new team and impart my product and operational knowledge as quickly as possible to prevent any impact on day-to-day operations.
May 2010 - Oct 2014
As a senior manager I looked after the HSBC online banking channel and all of its operations and digital revenue, reporting directly into the Head of Digital. The role required close interactions with customer facing channels such as Contact Centres and the Branch Network, as well as operational and proposition teams that managed payments, FX and digital products.
Mar 2007 - May 2010
I started my career with HSBC as a junior web developer, looking after HSBC's public website. This role allowed me to quickly connect with HSBC's propositions and products and enabled me to optimise SEO, digital application journeys, accessibility standards and marketing content.
May 2005 - Feb 2007
In this digital real estate portal start-up I built customised and templated websites for Real Estate businesses across Australia, and was a relationship manager to over 600 clients from both Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au.