First National Bank Strengthens Leadership with AI and Data Science Experts

FNB Expands Leadership Team with New AI and Data Science Directors

First National Bank (FNB), a prominent entity within the F.N.B. Corporation, recently announced the addition of two key figures to its leadership team: Santosh Sinha and Sundeep Tangirala. Both men will serve as senior vice presidents and bring a wealth of experience in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, areas critical to FNB's strategic growth and innovation.

Enhancing AI Strategy

Santosh Sinha joins as the Director of AI and Innovation. He is tasked with steering the bank’s AI initiatives, ensuring that they align with ethical standards and compliance requirements. With over a decade in the financial services industry, Sinha has diverse experience, including roles in academia and government. He has been instrumental in launching a tech startup, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit while also serving as a researcher in AI for the U.S. government.

Sinha earned his bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering from Patna University in India, followed by an MBA focusing on strategic leadership from Dallas University. He culminated his educational journey with a Ph.D. in data science and artificial intelligence from Capitol Technology University. His active involvement in the AI field includes serving on the advisory board for the Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Engineering.

Focus on Data Science

Alongside Sinha, Sundeep Tangirala will take on the role of Director of Data Science. Tangirala's responsibilities will center around optimizing FNB’s strategic decision-making processes, which involve overseeing regulatory requirements and building forecasting models. He leads a skilled team of data scientists who are continually looking for insights to propel revenue growth, efficiency, and process enhancements in various sectors of the bank, including retail and wholesale banking, marketing, and risk management.

Before joining FNB, Tangirala was Senior Vice President and Head of Data and Machine Learning Engineering at PNC Bank. His extensive background spans over 20 years with nearly 15 of those years dedicated to financial services. Tangirala holds a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from Anna University in India, a Master’s in business IT from Middlesex University in the U.K., and a Machine Learning Certificate from Cornell University. Additionally, he plays an active role in his community, serving on the advisory board for the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics at the University of Pittsburgh.

Strategic Vision for FNB

Vincent J. Delie, Jr., the Chairman and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation, emphasized the significance of innovation and digital technology drivers in enabling FNB to enhance its client services and overall bank growth. By integrating the expertise of Sinha and Tangirala, the bank aims to leverage AI and data analytics more effectively, creating innovative financial solutions.

FNB, headquartered in Pittsburgh, operates banking solutions across several major states and metropolitan areas, managing nearly $50 billion in assets. Their commitment to expanding their technological capabilities aligns with their broader strategy to enhance service delivery and maintain a competitive edge in the banking industry.

With these impressive acquisitions, First National Bank is setting the stage for transformative growth and reaffirming its commitment to innovation in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.