Barclays has appointed Anita Tanna as its first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, creating a dedicated executive role to lead the bank’s approach to AI adoption across its operations.
Tanna moves into the position after serving as Group Chief of Staff and managing director at Barclays since January 2024. In her new role, she will focus on accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across the organisation, identifying areas where the technology can deliver value and supporting its responsible use.
Announcing her appointment, Tanna said AI had significant potential to transform how the bank serves its customers and clients. She described the technology as an important part of the group’s strategy and said her focus would be on building upon the AI initiatives already underway across the business.
Tanna joined Barclays in June 2021 as managing director and head of equity sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa within its Corporate and Investment Bank. She subsequently led equity sales, high-touch and programme trading execution services before becoming Group Chief of Staff.
Before joining Barclays, Tanna spent nearly 12 years at Citi, where she held several senior positions in equity sales, including head of equity sales in the UK and leadership responsibilities across international markets. Earlier in her career, she worked at Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns.
Her appointment comes as financial institutions increase their investment in artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency, support decision-making and enhance customer services. Banks are also establishing dedicated leadership positions to oversee the adoption and governance of these technologies.
Barclays has already expanded its use of AI across several business areas. The bank is working with technology providers to integrate AI into software development, internal knowledge systems and operational processes, while maintaining security controls and human oversight.
The appointment also comes as Barclays pursues a wider efficiency programme. The bank has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 5,000 positions during 2026, with some reductions linked to automation and productivity improvements. The bank has said AI is one element of its broader transformation efforts.
Tanna’s appointment places her at the centre of Barclays’ efforts to scale AI across the group, with responsibility for identifying opportunities to apply the technology while ensuring its use supports the bank’s strategic objectives.
