Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Hobbies
Timeline
Generic
JOSEPH FERDINAND

JOSEPH FERDINAND

Vice President & Division Manager - Digital Transformation
Bangalore

Summary

Accomplished Digital Transformation Leader with over 19 years of progressive experience in techno-functional business environments, currently serving as Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation. Expertise in enabling change by driving digital transformation, automation, and process optimization across global operations has consistently delivered measurable business value and enhanced operational efficiency. Key strengths include strategic leadership in process excellence, change management, and cross-functional collaboration, complemented by proficiency in multiple Low Code & No Code platforms RPA platforms such as UiPath and Blue Prism, along with extensive implementation experience across Power Platform, SharePoint, Xceptor, Duco and Alteryx. A reliable leader adept at fostering team collaboration and adaptability while achieving organizational goals through strategic planning and performance management.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
12
12
Certifications
5
5
Languages

Work History

Vice President & DM of Digital Transformation

Northern Trust
10.2024 - Current
  • Developed strong team dynamics through regular communication, collaboration, and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Built strong relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration efforts, both internally and externally.
  • Promoted innovation within the division by encouraging creative problem-solving techniques among staff members.
  • Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives that accelerated decision-making processes and improved overall organizational agility.
  • Led the company's digital transformation, modernizing legacy systems, and transitioning to cloud-based infrastructures.
  • Led efforts in continuous process improvement initiatives within the organization, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies where applicable.
  • Aligned organizational goals with Lean Six Sigma projects for maximum impact on operational excellence.
  • Enhanced business intelligence capabilities by implementing advanced data analytics tools and methodologies.

Vice President

Northern Trust
03.2021 - Current

As Vice President, I lead the strategic vision and execution of automation and emerging technology initiatives across the enterprise, driving innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation.

VP & Manager II - Process Excellence & Automation

Northern Trust
03.2023 - 10.2024
  • Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes, leading to increased productivity and waste reduction.
  • Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify root causes of issues within processes, ultimately improving overall operational effectiveness.
  • Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
  • Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
  • Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
  • Accomplished multiple projects within established timeframes.
  • Enhanced production efficiency by implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies and process improvements.
  • Improved financial operations by streamlining processes and implementing automation tools.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.

Second Vice President & Manager || - Automation

Northern Trust
04.2022 - 03.2023
  • Driving digital automation initiatives in the lab by leveraging emerging technologies. The focus is to drive successful outcomes by delivering value-added solutions, enhancing productivity, and mitigating risks.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.

Manager I & 2VP - Automation

Northern Trust
10.2019 - 03.2022
  • As the manager, my role involved spearheading the setup and strategic direction of an Emerging Technologies Lab, aimed at transforming business operations through innovation and intelligent automation.
  • Present lab outcomes, insights, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Identify high-impact areas where emerging technologies can streamline operations and boost productivity.
  • Implement governance models, access controls, and compliance frameworks to ensure secure and ethical innovation.
  • Lead pilot programs and proof-of-concepts to validate business value and technical feasibility.
  • Collaborate with business units to identify inefficiencies and manual processes.
  • Design and deploy automation solutions that reduce turnaround time, minimize errors, and improve scalability.

Second Vice President

Northern Trust
11.2018 - 02.2021
  • As Second Vice President, I lead strategic initiatives focused on automation and digital transformation, driving enterprise-wide efficiency and innovation through emerging technologies.
  • Championed process improvement efforts that streamlined workflows and reduced redundancies, leading to enhanced productivity levels.

Senior Consultant Lead - Business Systems

Northern Trust
10.2017 - 09.2019
  • Spearheaded the implementation of advanced technologies, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and other emerging tools, to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort.
  • Focused on maximizing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
  • Identified and evaluated emerging technologies for lab adoption, aligning them with business needs and strategic goals.
  • Led initiatives to pilot and scale automation solutions that enhance productivity and reduce turnaround times.
  • Mentored junior consultants, helping them sharpen their technical and analytical skills.
  • Encouraged collaborative learning, and guided team members to contribute more effectively to project outcomes.
  • Managed multiple projects by prioritizing tasks based on milestone dependencies and critical deadlines.
  • Ensured timely delivery of automation solutions, while maintaining high quality and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Proactively troubleshot technical and process-related issues by diagnosing root causes and implementing effective, sustainable solutions.
  • Maintained a solution-oriented approach to minimize disruptions and optimize performance.
  • Partnered with internal teams to design and deliver customized automation solutions tailored to unique client requirements.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless integration and adoption of new technologies.

Officer

Northern Trust
12.2015 - 10.2018
  • I am honored to step into an expanded leadership role as an officer, with additional responsibilities to lead and establish emerging technologies within the lab environment.

Team Lead - Business Systems

Northern Trust
04.2016 - 09.2017
  • Lead and manage a high-performing team of automation developers specializing in VBA, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and Markit EDM (Cadis).
  • Provide technical direction, mentorship, and performance oversight to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality automation solutions.
  • Drive the design and implementation of cutting-edge automation solutions that eliminate manual, repetitive tasks, and optimize business workflows.
  • Champion the use of VBA and RPA to streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve turnaround times across departments.
  • Continuously explore and integrate emerging technologies to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
  • Lead initiatives to identify automation opportunities and develop scalable solutions aligned with business goals.

Consultant - Business Systems

Northern Trust
06.2014 - 03.2016
  • Part of the Business Systems team, focused on optimizing and streamlining business processes.
  • Automated repetitive tasks improve efficiency and reduce manual workload.
  • Collaborated with Global Fund Accounting/Administration, and Investment Operations Outsourcing teams.
  • Developed and implemented complex macros that delivered measurable time and cost savings.
  • Certified Markit EDM (Cadis) developer and proficient SQL skill set.
  • Built and deployed data management projects using Markit EDM, improved data quality, and streamlined data handling processes. Ensured timely and accurate data availability for business teams.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.

Senior Business Systems Analyst

Northern Trust
09.2013 - 05.2014
  • Managed complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Reduced project completion time by employing Agile methodologies and effective project management strategies.
  • Collaborated with IT and business teams to ensure technology solutions aligned with strategic goals.
  • Experienced VBA developer with a strong focus on business-driven solutions.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Access, VBA, and Reflections.
  • Develops efficient, user-friendly tools tailored to business needs.
  • Troubleshoots bugs and enhances existing features for better performance.
  • Creates technical specifications and process documents for smooth integration.
  • Conversion and migration of over 440 macros for fund accounting in nine months.
  • Built complex macros for Operations, Technology, Investment Operations Outsourcing, Fund Accounting, and Hedge Fund Services.


Analyst/Sr Analyst - Credit Services

Northern Trust
11.2009 - 09.2013
  • Worked with National Loan Servicing (Credit Services) across multiple financial products: Commercial Loans – managed documentation, disbursement, and compliance workflows.
    Retail Loans – Handled high-volume loan processing with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
    Syndicated Loans – Coordinated with multiple lenders to ensure smooth syndication and servicing.
    Letters of Credit – Facilitated issuance and tracking for trade finance operations.


Process Automation Using VBA.

  • Designed and implemented VBA-based automation solutions to streamline manual tasks.
  • Automated key processes such as data extraction and validation, report generation, and reconciliation and exception handling.
  • Improved process efficiency, reduced manual errors, and enhanced overall productivity.


Impact Highlights.

  • Achieved a significant reduction in turnaround time for loan servicing activities.
  • Enabled faster and more accurate reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Promoted a culture of automation and continuous improvement within the team.

Senior Training Officer

MphasiS An EDS
05.2006 - 08.2009
  • Led end-to-end training programs across banking and loan operations—including mortgage, student, and personal loans—ensuring comprehensive knowledge transfer and operational readiness. Supervised cohorts of 25–30 trainees while managing escalation specialist calls, and designing quality assurance frameworks to drive performance excellence.
  • Demonstrated deep expertise in banking workflows and loan servicing across multiple product lines. Continuously evaluated training effectiveness through participant progress tracking and feedback loops, enabling iterative improvements.
  • Provided personalized mentoring to support individual growth and career development. Delivered coaching on industry best practices, offered constructive feedback to empower employees, and enhance team capabilities.

Education

PGDM - Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

Indian Institute of Management, Sirmaur
Sirmaur, HP
04.2001 -

MBA - International Business

Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok
Sikkim
04.2001 -

Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Accounting And Finance

St Joseph's College of Commerce (Autonomous)
Bangalore
04.2001 -

Bachelor's of Commerce - Human Resources Management

St Joseph's College of Commerce (Autonomous)
Bangalore
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Effective team leadership

  • Digital Transformation

  • Expertise in automation tools

  • Emerging Technologies

  • Product strategy development

  • Leadership in automation

  • Process improvement leadership

  • Effective communication

  • Data-driven problem-solving

  • Agile Project Management & Delivery

  • Change Management

  • Strategic planning

  • Coaching and mentoring

  • Stake Holder Management

  • Financial Acumen

  • Customer Experience

Certification

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Hobbies

  • Football: Passionate about football, I enjoy both analyzing team strategies and playing with friends, which keeps me energized and strengthens my teamwork and leadership skills.
  • Gaming: I am drawn to creative and strategic games, which help me develop problem solving abilities, stay adaptable, and connect with others through shared challenges.
  • Reading Articles: I regularly read articles to stay informed about current trends and innovations, enabling me to bring fresh perspectives and insights to my work.

Timeline

Alteryx

10-2025

PMP

10-2025

Xceptor

09-2025

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

08-2025

Lean Management

08-2025

Vice President & DM of Digital Transformation

Northern Trust
10.2024 - Current

VP & Manager II - Process Excellence & Automation

Northern Trust
03.2023 - 10.2024

SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager

05-2022

Second Vice President & Manager || - Automation

Northern Trust
04.2022 - 03.2023

SAFe Scrum Master

04-2022

Design Thinking - Problem Solving with a Dash of Empathy

04-2021

Vice President

Northern Trust
03.2021 - Current

Manager I & 2VP - Automation

Northern Trust
10.2019 - 03.2022

Second Vice President

Northern Trust
11.2018 - 02.2021

Kofax Total Agility

08-2018

UiPath

02-2018

Senior Consultant Lead - Business Systems

Northern Trust
10.2017 - 09.2019

Team Lead - Business Systems

Northern Trust
04.2016 - 09.2017

Blue Prism RPA

04-2016

Officer

Northern Trust
12.2015 - 10.2018

Consultant - Business Systems

Northern Trust
06.2014 - 03.2016

Markit EDM (Cadis)

06-2014

Senior Business Systems Analyst

Northern Trust
09.2013 - 05.2014

Analyst/Sr Analyst - Credit Services

Northern Trust
11.2009 - 09.2013

Senior Training Officer

MphasiS An EDS
05.2006 - 08.2009

PGDM - Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

Indian Institute of Management, Sirmaur
04.2001 -

MBA - International Business

Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok
04.2001 -

Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Accounting And Finance

St Joseph's College of Commerce (Autonomous)
04.2001 -

Bachelor's of Commerce - Human Resources Management

St Joseph's College of Commerce (Autonomous)
04.2001 -
JOSEPH FERDINANDVice President & Division Manager - Digital Transformation