Pradeep Kumar Rayapuram Karanam

• Built a high-performing team of 16 engineers, delivering Active Directory operations, migrations, and HCI solution deployments across multiple factory sites. Pioneered the AD function within the organization, setting foundational standards and practices.
• Spearheaded the insourcing transition from Comma-Soft to DTIC, establishing operational workflows, governance models, and comprehensive solution documentation to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Led the design, implementation, and optimization of distributed identity systems leveraging LDAP protocols, enhancing scalability and performance across global environments.
• Architected and deployed Tier-0 (T0) environments for Identity & Access Management (IAM), embedding Zero Trust principles to strengthen enterprise security posture.
• Fostered strategic collaboration with DTAG, contributing to IAM architecture discussions, aligning with business goals, and building trusted partnerships across global teams.
• Championed automation and innovation initiatives, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency, system reliability, and service delivery through PowerShell and ServiceNow integrations.
• Designed and managed secure, scalable Active Directory infrastructures, including hybrid and cloud-native deployments using Azure ADDS and Cloud AD.
• Led Agile delivery practices, managing product backlogs, sprint planning, and iterative development cycles to ensure timely and quality outcomes.
• Directed large-scale migrations of applications, users, groups, servers, and BluePCs using Quest tools, ensuring minimal disruption to business-critical systems.
• Developed and integrated automation frameworks, ServiceNow workflows, and monitoring solutions to streamline DTAD operations and enhance visibility.
• Conducted threat modelling, security audits, and vulnerability assessments for identity systems, proactively mitigating risks such as token forgery, session hijacking, and privilege escalation.
• Insourced AD-related activities from external vendors, optimizing operational costs, improving control, and enhancing service quality.
• Currently Working on AI integration initiatives within identity infrastructure, exploring intelligent automation, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics to elevate operational maturity.
• Contributing to whitepaper development on “Active Directory in Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems: Security with an Identity-Centric Approach and Preparing for Industry 4.0, Zero Trust implementation, and AI-driven IAM strategies to influence organizational direction and industry best practices.

• Led and managed a high-performing team of 24 professionals across L1, L2, and L3 support tiers, overseeing a large-scale Active Directory (AD) environment with 80,000 users and 113 Domain Controllers across 19 global sites.
• Successfully transitioned insourced operations from multiple external vendors, ensuring seamless integration, enhanced efficiency, and reduced operational overhead.
• Oversaw the end-to-end design, development, and testing of a robust Active Directory data protection solution, aligning with enterprise security standards.
• Managed customer engagement and scaled development teams to support rapid adoption and evolving client requirements.
• Architected and implemented integration solutions between Active Directory and platforms such as Amadeus, as well as other airport and airline security systems, enhancing interoperability and security.
• Spearheaded the migration of three AD forests from Windows Server 2012 to 2019, consolidating 113 Domain Controllers to 50, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced downtime.
• Championed automation initiatives using PowerShell scripting to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and reduce manual effort.
• Collaborated with global stakeholders to design resilient site structures and resolve complex infrastructure challenges.
• Directed Azure Entra ID integration and AD migrations, ensuring secure, scalable, and efficient identity management across hybrid environments.
• Monitored and enhanced team performance through regular reviews, mentorship programs, and skill development initiatives for junior and new team members.
• Facilitated team-building activities and technical training sessions, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation.
• Coordinated with cross-functional teams including networking, security, and application teams to ensure seamless project execution and timely delivery.