Susheel Walia
Sr. Director, Information Security
Hyderabad
Summary
Dynamic information security leader with over 25 years of experience in security governance, engineering, and operations within multinational organizations. Proven expertise in developing and implementing robust security frameworks that align with business objectives while mitigating risks.
Skilled in leading cross-functional teams to enhance security posture and ensure compliance with industry standards. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Sr. Director – Information Security
Advance Auto Parts India
Hyderabad
06.2020 - 03.2025
- Align security practices with enterprise policies and industry standards to ensure regulatory compliance and minimise operational risks.
- Lead the development and execution of information security strategy, risk management, and compliance, safeguarding company assets and supporting business objectives.
- Oversee security engineering and identity & access management for Advance, enhancing system integrity and protecting sensitive data.
- Foster a strong security culture by engaging business stakeholders, promoting proactive risk mitigation across all levels of the organisation.
- Identify and address NIST-assessed control gaps to strengthen the security posture and reduce vulnerabilities.
- Drive projects to implement next-gen security tools (IGA, PAM, EDR & SIEM) and strengthen controls, increasing resilience against cyber threats.
- Establish effective global and regional vendor partnerships for operations, optimising resource utilisation and service delivery, supporting 24/7 operations and saving costs.
- Build and mentor a high-performing, innovative security team, ensuring ongoing excellence and adaptability in evolving threat landscapes.
Director – Security Operations & SOC
JDA Software Pvt Ltd (Now Blue Yonder)
12.2016 - 06.2020
- Build Enterprise Information Security team through hiring new skillsets, streamlining processes and technology controls.
- Establish global 24/7 security monitoring and operations in Hyderabad.
- Initiate security practices related to access mgmt., vulnerability mgmt., Endpoint Detection & Response, Web filtering, network security, etc.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Evaluate multiple security tools and lead security projects for global deployment.
- Participate in secure design of Azure cloud infrastructure and migration initiative.
Assistant Vice President – Information Security
Bank of America Continuum India Pvt Ltd.
04.2005 - 12.2016
- Directed global 24/7 information security operations and led a team of 180 professionals across India, ensuring robust protection for Bank of America’s assets.
- Oversaw access management, infrastructure engineering, security operations and application development teams, delivering secure systems that met stringent compliance requirements.
- Drove innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving among team members and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
- Supervised regional vendor assessments and managed the global remediation monitoring program, mitigating risks in collaboration with external suppliers.
- Developed, documented, and enforced information security policies aligned with Bank of America standards and international best practices, such as ISO 27001.
- Acted as Project Manager for critical security initiatives, including data masking and endpoint security, driving continuous improvement through innovative controls.
- Mentored Green Belt projects and contributed to thought leadership, evidenced by ownership of U.S. Patent No: 20120310945 (reference).
Assistant Manager – IS Audit
Iridium Interactive Ltd.
09.2004 - 04.2005
- Conducted a comprehensive network security audit for the technology partner of ESeva, the flagship e-governance initiative of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, significantly enhancing the integrity and resilience of critical digital infrastructure.
- Performed an outsourcing audit for a leading US-based ERP development firm, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and rigorous compliance with international standards.
- Provided expert information security consulting in the development of secure applications and web portals, empowering clients to safeguard sensitive data and foster trust in their digital platforms.
System Analyst
International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
03.2000 - 08.2004
- Led comprehensive business analysis and project coordination for critical software development initiatives across the organization.
- Directed the successful establishment and management of Rural ICT Hubs, ensuring robust infrastructure and community engagement.
- Collaborated extensively with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions to complex business challenges.
- Championed and executed strategic IT initiatives, significantly contributing to sustained organizational growth and advancement.
- Oversaw and prioritized multiple project streams, consistently achieving targets within established timelines and budgetary frameworks.
- Optimized data collection methodologies, resulting in a substantial reduction in manual entry errors and improved data integrity.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations - Public Relations
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan's Institute of Communication & Mgmt
01-1999
Masters Diploma (MDBA) - Business Management
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) - Accounting & Commerce
Osmania University
Hyderabad1999
Skills
- Cybersecurity risk & strategy
Certification
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) 2004 Information Security Audit and Control Association (www.isaca.org )
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- ISACA
- Insititute of Directors
- Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA)
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkGig WorkWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureLanguages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Sr. Director – Information Security
Advance Auto Parts India
06.2020 - 03.2025
Director – Security Operations & SOC
JDA Software Pvt Ltd (Now Blue Yonder)
12.2016 - 06.2020
Assistant Vice President – Information Security
Bank of America Continuum India Pvt Ltd.
04.2005 - 12.2016
Assistant Manager – IS Audit
Iridium Interactive Ltd.
09.2004 - 04.2005
Masters Diploma (MDBA) - Business Management
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies
04.2001 -
System Analyst
International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
03.2000 - 08.2004
Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) - Accounting & Commerce
Osmania University
Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations - Public Relations
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan's Institute of Communication & Mgmt
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