The UK Export Finance (UKEF) has appointed Bhaskar Dasgupta as its new chief operating officer (COO).

Dasgupta will lead UKEF’s operations and business management, including technology and directing digital transformation and change programmes.

Dasgupta joins UKEF from HSBC, where he held a number of positions, most recently the global head of the transaction management group within the risk distribution unit of HSBC’s global trade and receivables finance division.

Dasgupta’s career has spanned nearly 20 years in investment and transaction banking, consultancy and technology with companies including ABN Amro, Citigroup, SunGard and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

UKEF CEO, Louis Taylor, welcomed Dasgupta to the department, saying: “I am delighted that Bhaskar has joined UKEF. His leadership will energise the department to develop and deliver ambitious business plans, providing ever more accessible and comprehensive support for UK exporters.”

Dasgupta adds: “I am very pleased to be joining UKEF at a very important time for the government’s international trade agenda. By ensuring our support is agile, digital, innovative and flexible we can help UK companies succeed in the global marketplace, supporting UK jobs and economic growth.”