This is a new leadership role focused on accelerating the group’s capabilities as a digitally-enabled and AI-powered professional services organisation, Vistra said in a statement.

Leach has experience of leading large-scale technology and digital change global organisations. During his 20-year plus career, he spent 13 years in global banking technology roles, leading global teams, such as working as the chief technology officer of a Fortune 500 software-as-a-service provider. Most recently, Leach was global chief information officer at Seaco which later merged with Textainer to become the world’s largest and most diversified container leasing company, Vistra said. 

“Clients today want confidence, clarity and trusted expertise as they navigate an increasingly complex global environment,” Kim Jenkins, CEO of Vistra, said. “The appointment of Damian as our chief AI and digital officer marks the next major step in our strategy. Over the past year, we have advanced the foundations of our global digital platform to better connect clients with their portfolios of legal entities, accounting, tax and people services.”

Vistra operates in more than 50 jurisdictions across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. In July last year, it appointed Karen Bennett as its new chief delivery officer (CDO). She is based in the Greater Sydney area. Also in July that year, Vistra appointed Kim Jenkins as its chief executive officer, succeeding Simon Webster who served as CEO since 2022.