Ashish Gajanan Naik
Network , Security , Cloud , Cyber Security Experience
Pune,MH
Summary
Visionary IT leader with over 18 years of expertise in cloud technologies, network infrastructure, and IT security. Proven ability to lead global teams, drive transformation, and deliver business-aligned IT strategies. Adept at managing multi-million-dollar budgets, vendor negotiations, and global operations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2014
2014
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Global Senior manager of Cloud, Security & Network Operations
ZS Associates Pvt Ltd
07.2018 - Current
- Spearheaded global IT operations, ensuring the resilience and scalability of cloud, network, and security infrastructure across 30+ offices worldwide
- Architected and deployed SD-WAN solutions, enhancing global connectivity and reducing latency by 25%
- Directed multi-cloud strategies on AWS and Azure, achieving 99.99% system uptime and optimized cloud costs by 20%
- Security Architecture & Zero Trust Model: Spearheaded the implementation of a Zero Trust security framework, integrating solutions such as Palo Alto firewalls, Zscaler, Cisco ISE, and F5 WAF to enhance security posture
- Risk Management & Compliance: Established and maintained security policies to ensure compliance with industry standards (ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, NIST)
- Incident Response & Threat Management: Designed and operationalized a Security Operations Center (SOC) to proactively monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats, significantly reducing security incidents
- Mentored a team of 50+ IT professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
- Delivered $2M in annual cost savings through strategic vendor partnerships and infrastructure optimization
Senior Network Consultant
Bristlecone India Pvt Ltd
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Led IT modernization projects for Mahindra Group, driving cost-effective solutions and achieving 30% infrastructure efficiency gains
- Directed WAN redesign and SD-WAN implementation, reducing downtime by 40%
- Managed cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-impact projects
Network Support Specialist
IBM India Pvt Ltd
08.2016 - 10.2016
- Delivered mission-critical network solutions for Jet Airways, ensuring seamless operational continuity
Senior Network Consultant
Bristlecone (on VSolution Payroll)
12.2014 - 07.2016
- Directed Mahindra’s datacenter migration and WAN modernization projects, enhancing infrastructure scalability
- Improved network performance across 50+ locations through strategic redesign and implementation efforts
Team Leader – Network Operations
Tech Mahindra
01.2012 - 09.2014
- Led a team of 14 engineers, ensuring the operational stability of Mahindra & Mahindra’s global IT infrastructure
- Developed risk mitigation strategies, reducing system vulnerabilities by 35%
L2 Network Engineer
Wipro Infotech
03.2008 - 01.2012
- Managed WAN and LAN operations, ensuring 99.9% uptime for critical business applications
L1 NOC Engineer
Network Solutions (IBM Company)
12.2006 - 03.2008
- Monitored and managed Airtel Bharti’s WAN links, enhancing overall network reliability
Education
MBA - IT Strategy
MKUDD
B.Sc. (IT) - First Class
University of Mumbai
Skills
Strategic Leadership
IT Strategy
Global Team Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Cloud Technologies
AWS
Networking Services
Route 53
STNO
GWLB
WAF
Azure
Enterprise Networking
Routing
Switching
Wireless
SD-WAN
Citrix
Versa
Nexus Switching
Security Solutions
Palo Alto
Cisco ASA
Zscaler
F5 Load Balancer
LTM
WAF
Cisco ISE
DNS Services
Network Solution
CDN Services
CloudFront
Akmai
Operational Excellence
Budget Management
Cost Optimization
Vendor Negotiation
Digital Transformation
IT Modernization
Infrastructure Design
Process Automation
Certification
AWS Cloud Practitioner, 2021
Accomplishments
- Awards: 'Alternative Thinking Award' for innovative internet architecture deployment at Mahindra Group.
- Delivered a 20% reduction in operational costs through automation and process improvements.
- Successfully implemented global security solutions, aligning with compliance standards such as GDPR and SOC 2.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 01/18/86
- Marital Status: Married
- Visa Status: B1/B2
Trainingevents
- AWS re:Invent, 2019, 2023, 2024
- Advanced training on Cisco ISE, SD-WAN solutions, and Palo Alto networks.
Timeline
Global Senior manager of Cloud, Security & Network Operations
ZS Associates Pvt Ltd
07.2018 - Current
Senior Network Consultant
Bristlecone India Pvt Ltd
10.2016 - 07.2018
Network Support Specialist
IBM India Pvt Ltd
08.2016 - 10.2016
Senior Network Consultant
Bristlecone (on VSolution Payroll)
12.2014 - 07.2016
Team Leader – Network Operations
Tech Mahindra
01.2012 - 09.2014
L2 Network Engineer
Wipro Infotech
03.2008 - 01.2012
L1 NOC Engineer
Network Solutions (IBM Company)
12.2006 - 03.2008
B.Sc. (IT) - First Class
University of Mumbai
MBA - IT Strategy
MKUDD