Results-driven and visionary Senior IT Leader with over 24 years of experience in managing mission-critical infrastructure, driving digital transformation, and fortifying security through robust policies and advanced technologies. Proven expertise in strategic IT risk management, disaster recovery, and compliance with industry standards. Adept at aligning IT initiatives with business goals to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Skilled in formulating and executing infrastructure strategies that foster innovation, optimize financial management, and integrate automation for enhanced efficiency. Recognized for exceptional team leadership, talent development, and retention, as well as managing vendor and partner relations to ensure seamless collaboration. Demonstrates a strong technical acumen, delivering impactful solutions that align with organizational goals and drive long-term success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Head IT Infrastructure - Vice President
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Limited
07.2017 - Current
Dynamic Head of IT Infrastructure, Governance, and Security Operations with 7+ years of experience leading 50+ employees and 150+ partner resources. Expert in IT strategy, robust architecture, security protocols, and 24x7 operations. Skilled in driving efficiency through automation, optimizing processes, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Proven track record in team leadership, KPI achievement, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance customer satisfaction and sustainable success.
Job Responsibilities
Mission-Critical Infrastructure Leadership: Ensured 24/7 uptime for hybrid environments (on-premises, AWS, Azure), overseeing servers, storage, security, and network configurations to drive reliability and security.
Infrastructure Strategy & Innovation: Spearheaded infrastructure strategy, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance agility, cost-efficiency, and business value.
IT Security & Compliance: Developed robust IT security policies, deployed advanced tools (SIEM, DLP, firewalls), and ensured compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
IT Risk & Governance: Managed IT risks, implemented security controls, and delivered risk-based assessments to ensure data integrity and compliance.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Built strategic vendor partnerships, ensured SLA adherence, and optimized application and hardware performance.
Financial & Budget Management: Oversaw IT budgets (OPEX/CAPEX), implemented cost controls, and conducted cost-benefit analyses to optimize spending.
Talent Development: Mentored teams, implemented succession planning, and fostered skill development to build a high-performing, diverse IT workforce.
Disaster Recovery & Best Practices: Designed disaster recovery plans, conducted risk assessments, and implemented best practices to ensure operational resilience.
Innovation & Automation: Drove IT transformation through automation, enhanced infrastructure observability, and implemented advanced security technologies.
Technical Expertise: Proficient in virtualization, networking, cloud services (AWS EC2, S3, RDS), and large-scale IT project management.
Head IT - General Manager
D P World
06.2016 - 06.2017
Seasoned Head of IT with expertise in managing large-scale IT infrastructures across four seaports. Led 50+ employees and 100+ partner resources, ensuring 24x7 operations and seamless integration of critical applications. Delivered key projects like gate/crane automation, refrigerated container monitoring, and nationwide IT shared services. Strengthened IT security and compliance, implementing robust measures to meet regulatory standards.
Job Responsibilities
Strategic Project Leadership: Developed and executed project plans aligned with business goals, optimizing IT resources and bridging stakeholder needs with technical solutions.
Multi-Location Team Management: Led 25+ professionals across 5 locations, driving IT operations, security, compliance, and cost-efficiency while maintaining quality and innovation.
Business Application Alignment: Designed and managed critical business applications, collaborating with leadership to deliver IT solutions that meet organizational needs and drive value.
Performance Metrics & Disaster Recovery: Redefined KPIs and KRAs, created comprehensive documentation, and implemented disaster recovery plans to meet RPOs and RTOs.
Infrastructure Design & Compliance: Built and maintained data centers, ensuring uptime for hardware, software, and networks, while managing servers, firewalls, and disaster recovery systems.
IT Project Standardization: Led large-scale IT projects, reducing complexity and costs by consolidating and standardizing systems across multiple locations.
Team Building & Conflict Resolution: Cultivated a collaborative IT team culture, resolving conflicts and motivating teams to achieve shared goals effectively.
IT Infrastructure - Senior Manager
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP Sales India Pvt Ltd
08.2015 - 06.2016
Heading IT infrastructure and responsible for complete IT infrastructure which includes DC and hardware in it, Managed IT support of Datacenter, End-user, and dealer management systems.
Core Responsibilities
IT Infrastructure Leadership
Strategic IT Roadmap
SLA-Driven Operations
Security & Disaster Recovery
Vendor Management
IT Infrastructure - Manager
FIAT India Automobiles Pvt Ltd Limited
04.2011 - 07.2015
Head of IT Infrastructure at FIAT Automobiles, responsible for the end-to-end IT setup across car and powertrain plants. Led a large IT support team, ensuring 24/7 production system uptime and infrastructure reliability. Managed complex IT projects, driving cost reduction, process optimization, and technology upgrades. Developed and documented policies to strengthen security and operational processes. Oversaw CAPEX and OPEX budgets while maintaining strategic vendor partnerships to achieve business goals.
Core Responsibilities
IT Infrastructure Architecture & Design
Security & Compliance (ISO 27001, CISO Role)
Server Consolidation & Virtualization (VMware, Citrix)
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning
IT Cost Optimization & Sustainability Initiatives
IT Project Management & Vendor Coordination
Network & Communication (LAN/WAN, VoIP, Firewall, Wireless)
IT Budgeting (OPEX & CAPEX)
IT Infrastructure for Greenfield Projects & Office Setups
Datacenter Operations – UPS, AC, power, fire alarms.
Vendor Management – IT procurement and support coordination.
IT Support Engineer
CMS Computers Ltd
04.2003 - 05.2005
Senior Support Engineer
Akon Electronics Pvt Ltd.
02.2000 - 03.2003
Education
Master of Computer Management -
Pune University
Pune
01.2002
Bachelor of Science - Electronics
Pune University
Pune
01.2000
Skills
Infrastructure strategy development
Certification
Microsoft Certified System Engineer
LAST 3 YEARS ACHIEVEMENT
Innovative CIO award from CIO Axis, Aspiring CXOs Award from CXO Junction for Digital Transformation Excellence, Visionary Security Operation Leader from Krypton of CISO leadership award, Incredible CXO Award from BFSI CXO awards & Confex by CIO Axis, CEO Champs Award in Bajaj Allianz General Insurance