Intellect Design Arena Appoints Dave Thomas to Drive Growth in Credit Unions and Mid-Market Financial Institutions

Intellect Design Arena has made a significant move in the FinTech sector with the appointment of Dave Thomas as the new executive vice president and head of credit unions and small to mid-market financial institutions (FIs). This strategic decision aims to enhance Intellect’s growth and operational efficiency, particularly in the Canadian market.

Leadership Transition at Intellect Design Arena

In his new role, Thomas will oversee operations for Forge, ensuring seamless service continuity after its recent transfer from Central One. Additionally, he will focus on increasing the penetration of Intellect’s eMACH.ai Digital Engagement Platform in Canada, leveraging its advanced features to meet the needs of credit unions and mid-market financial institutions.

About Intellect Design Arena

As a global provider of enterprise-grade FinTech solutions, Intellect is renowned for its innovative digital banking and financial technology offerings. The company’s modular and composable architecture allows banks and financial institutions to create tailored, future-ready experiences for their customers.

Dave Thomas: A Seasoned Expert in FinTech

Dave Thomas comes to Intellect with an impressive background, having previously served as the chief technology officer at Central One. With over 25 years of experience at Accenture, he has held several senior leadership roles focused on large-scale technology transformations.

His appointment follows the successful transfer of Forge and Member Direct from Central One to Intellect in March 2025, which incorporated over 140 skilled professionals into the Intellect workforce. This transition marks a key milestone in the integration process and the company’s growth strategy in North America.

Strategic Commitment to Credit Unions

Rajesh Saxena, the CEO of Intellect Consumer Banking, expressed enthusiasm about Thomas’s appointment, stating, “Dave brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision that will be invaluable as we usher in a new era for Credit Unions and Banks in Canada. His track record of modernizing technology infrastructures makes him the perfect leader for this transition.”

Dave Thomas on His New Role

Expressing his excitement, Dave Thomas stated, “I am thrilled to take on this challenge with Intellect. The eMACH.ai platform is the type of technology that can help Credit Unions and Banks provide a world-class experience in Canada. Guiding Credit Unions in adopting innovative technologies aligns perfectly with my passion for creating meaningful member experiences.”

• Position: Executive Vice President, Head of Credit Unions and Small to Mid-Market Financial Institutions
• Focus: Overseeing operations for Forge and expanding eMACH.ai platform
• Background: Former CTO at Central One with extensive experience at Accenture

For more information on Intellect’s offerings and innovations, visit their official website at Intellect Design Arena.