Jan 2022 – May 2025 · 3 yrs 4 mos · United Arab Emirates · On-site

• Powering Domestic Payment Networks and Schemes in collaboration with the likes of Discover Financial Services, Al Etihad Payments...
• As a dedicated advocate for leveraging digital information and cutting-edge technologies, including cloud computing, AI, machine learning, automation, IoT, mobile, and social media, my mission is to drive significant business value within the enterprise. I proudly lead a robust technology and payments team of 60+ professionals, steering our collective efforts towards achieving departmental goals. Additionally, I'm entrusted with the critical responsibility of developing and managing the IT budget, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to drive innovation. My role encompasses strategic planning, deployment, and maintenance of IT systems and operations, keeping the organization on the forefront of technology. I champion agile methodologies and head a dynamic DevOps team of 25+, streamlining development processes for enhanced efficiency. My commitment extends to developing IT policies, procedures, and best practices that are fully compliant with payment card industry standards and regulatory requirements, safeguarding both data and trust.

May 2014 – Dec 2021 · 7 yrs 7 mos · United Arab Emirates

• As the leader of Oracle's Global Digital, Architecture, and Value Center of Excellence for Banking and Financial Services, I was responsible for driving innovation and digital transformation within the industry. During my tenure, I successfully orchestrated a global team of experts, architects, and consultants to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions and architectural frameworks tailored to banking and financial clients.
• I defined the strategic vision and roadmap for the Center of Excellence, ensuring alignment with Oracle's corporate goals and the evolving needs of the industry. My leadership extended to driving digital transformation initiatives that empowered clients to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape.
• I specialized in developing and implementing innovative strategies that optimized operations, enhanced customer experiences, and increased revenue streams. My deep technical expertise allowed me to architect scalable and secure solutions that addressed the unique challenges of the financial sector, including regulatory compliance and data security.
• Collaboration with clients was at the heart of my work, designing and implementing comprehensive architecture solutions tailored to their specific business needs. I had a strong track record of delivering significant value to clients by optimizing processes, reducing costs, and accelerating time-to-market through innovative digital solutions.
• I was passionate about measuring and communicating the ROI and business impact of digital and architectural initiatives. Additionally, I actively contributed to industry thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements, and participation in relevant forums and conferences. I stayed current with emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure Oracle remained at the forefront of digital innovation.
• I was also dedicated to cultivating strategic partnerships with industry associations, fintech companies, and other ecosystem players.

Dec 2007 – May 2014 · 6 yrs 5 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• In my subsequent role as the Technology Solutions Head at Fullerton Financial Holdings, I took the helm of a dynamic team tasked with shaping and delivering cutting-edge technology solutions. My mission? To align technology strategies seamlessly with our business objectives, propelling growth and efficiency across our global group of banks and financial services companies.
• At Fullerton Financial Holdings, I had the privilege of overseeing the entire IT landscape, from the beating heart of core banking to the sleek efficiency of digital channels, the secure fluidity of payments, the insightful finesse of CRM, and the backbone of ERP systems. Every system, every line of code, was part of a symphony designed to elevate our services and provide exceptional value to our valued customers.
• Throughout this journey, I remained committed to harnessing the latest technological advancements to ensure that our offerings stood at the forefront of innovation. It was a role where every innovation had the potential to create positive ripples in the realm of financial services, and I eagerly embraced the challenge.

May 2006 – Dec 2006 · 7 mos · Bangalore

• In my next chapter, I embarked on an exciting journey at Fidelity Investments as a Brokerage Technology Developer. Here, I continued to bridge the worlds of technology and financial services, weaving a tapestry of innovation. Working at the intersection of these two dynamic fields allowed me to craft cutting-edge solutions that empowered clients and enhanced their financial well-being. It was a role where every line of code had the potential to shape someone's financial future, and I relished the challenge. This experience deepened my understanding of the profound impact technology can have on the world of finance, fueling my commitment to pioneering solutions that make a real difference.

Jan 2005 – May 2006 · 1 yr 4 mos

• In my inaugural role as a Technology Developer outsources to the retail giant Target, I dove headfirst into the fascinating world of technology, managing their store cards and gift cards systems. My mission? To conjure payment reporting magic with mainframes, COBOL, and CICS – the arcane incantations of the tech realm. As my career's opening act, this role ignited a lifelong passion for turning lines of code into business poetry, setting me on a path where technology meets business and the magic never stops!