Hi, I’m Annie Vella, a lifelong computer enthusiast with two decades of experience in software engineering and technical leadership. My journey began when I got my first computer - a Commodore 64 - at the age of six. I found myself more intrigued by learning BASIC than playing games, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to be a coder when I grew up.

I’ve had the privilege of working across various industries in four countries, living in seven countries along the way. Currently, I’m a Distinguished Engineer at Westpac NZ. I enjoy designing resilient systems, uncovering opportunities across the organisation, and driving process improvements with a strong emphasis on quality from the outset. Returning to an engineering role after my second stint in engineering management has been both refreshing and rewarding.

I’m passionate about cultivating a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. I strive to inspire engineers to work smarter, not harder, fostering an environment where technical brilliance thrives. I’m endlessly curious myself — a lifelong learner, with a deep interest in AI, Quantum Computing, Deming, Systems Thinking, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

When I’m not diving into tech, I’m a cat lover and a fan of all things horror.

In 2024, I started a part-time Master’s of Engineering in Software Engineering at the University of Auckland, researching the impact of AI on software engineering. I believe that the recent advancements in Generative AI, LLMs, and Agentic AI are set to revolutionise not just software engineering, but how we approach problem-solving and automation in countless fields.

All views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own and do not represent those of my employer.