Global business services provider Paragon Group has appointed Stephen Lester to the newly created role of group chief technology officer following a period of rapid expansion for the business.

Formerly CTO for Paragon’s UK, Ireland and Luxembourg region, Lester’s role will shift from building the technology foundations that have supported the region’s key business lines, to setting a strategy that consolidates investment and innovation in technology across Paragon’s global footprint.

Crucial to his role will be refining the frameworks and governance required by the business to support the needs of its diverse set of customers, which span highly regulated industries and the world’s best-known consumer brands, the firm says.