Introduction: Leading Security-Driven Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
In today’s interconnected industrial ecosystem, digital transformation is not just about automation — it’s about embedding trust into every layer of the enterprise. With over 30 years of experience across IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, SAP, and cloud environments, I’ve led organizations through the complexities of modernization, risk resilience, and compliance-driven innovation.
My current role as CISO & Vice President – IT at Violin Technologies allows me to align enterprise technology with business outcomes, enabling secure growth in the manufacturing and electronics systems (EMS) sector. The mission: make IT the enabler of agility, and security the foundation of trust.
Legacy of Resilience: From Data Centers to Digital Platforms
My journey began in the 1990s, navigating the early phases of digital adoption — from supporting legacy OS environments to deploying enterprise WANs. Over the years, I’ve built and managed scalable infrastructures, including hybrid clouds, SAP environments, and multi-vendor ecosystems.
At Avalon Technologies, I spent over two decades strengthening cybersecurity posture, introducing Zero Trust frameworks, and modernizing critical infrastructure for high-availability manufacturing. From vulnerability management and endpoint protection to IT/OT integration and MES governance, every step of my leadership has centered on proactive defense and operational continuity.
These experiences cemented a core belief: digital transformation only works when it’s built on a resilient, secure, and scalable foundation.
Strategic Shift: Aligning Cybersecurity with Business Continuity
As cyber threats grow in complexity, especially in manufacturing and industrial operations, the role of the CISO must evolve beyond control enforcement — toward strategic enablement.
At Violin Technologies, I now drive cybersecurity strategy at the intersection of SAP optimization, process automation, and IT/OT convergence. By integrating information security into every layer — from MES systems to customer data platforms — we are fostering a culture of risk-aware innovation.
This approach is reinforced by my academic and professional grounding in AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance — helping me lead not only through experience but with future-ready thinking.
🎓 Explore Online DBA in AI & Cybersecurity
🎓 Explore Online MBA in Cyber Security
Operational Excellence Through SAP and Automation
Whether leading SAP CoEs, managing ERP transformation, or deploying automation frameworks across multi-cloud environments, I believe technology must enable measurable value — not just compliance.
Today, my focus spans:
- Strengthening SAP landscapes with scalable architectures
- Driving automation across enterprise IT and operational processes
- Aligning MES systems with IT security and regulatory requirements
From governance frameworks to DR strategies, my aim is to ensure that every transformation effort is as secure as it is agile.
🎓 Explore CISM Certification Course
Future Vision: Building Cyber-Resilient Smart Enterprises
Looking ahead, the convergence of AI, OT security, and data privacy will define the future of industrial enterprises. I believe leaders must focus not only on digital enablement — but also on cyber maturity and regulatory alignment.
With honors like the INFOSEC Maestro Award, CIO Power List, and CISO Top 100 recognition, my journey remains grounded in continuous learning and purpose-driven execution. My doctorate in AI & Cybersecurity reflects this lifelong commitment to intellectual rigor and ethical leadership.
Conclusion: Empowering Growth Through Secure Innovation
From resolving hardware support tickets in the ‘90s to architecting enterprise-wide security frameworks in Industry 4.0, my journey has been shaped by one truth: sustainable digital growth requires systems that are secure, scalable, and centered on business value.
To today’s cybersecurity and IT leaders: think beyond tools. Build platforms of trust. And lead transformation that secures not just infrastructure — but the future itself.
