Salah Qureshi
West London-UK / Riyadh- KSA,UK
Summary
Leadership
- Experienced in Senior Business & IT Stakeholder Management, Enterprise Application, Technology, Data & Security Architecture, and Architecture Frameworks & Governance.
- Experienced in getting buy in from Business stakeholders to invest in strategic architecture. Experience in design, implementation and Governance within a Large/Complex environment.
Key Expertise
- A highly motivated, dedicated and goal-oriented Leader and an Expert with a proven track record of large complex Enterprise Transition & Transformation.
- My career history spans across multiple industry such as Financial Service, Defense & Space,Legal Domain Public Sector, Service Provider,
- Led and managed multiple large Enterprise Transition and Transformation as Principal covering Europe, North America, South America and APAC with extensive travel to 20+ countries.
- Key Expertise in Large Scale Enterprise Transition and Transformation including Enterprise Network, Infrastructure, Cloud Services, Data Center, Migrations, Financial Trader Turrets & Communication Services.
- I have led large teams, my expertise also involved defining requirement definition, High Level Design, Low Level Design, deployment, migration, and testing plus handover activities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4007
4007
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Leader / Snr solutions architect
BAE Systems
Saudi
07.2024 - 05.2025
- I am working on the G2G programs – (Government to Government), Saudi British Defense Corporation Programs.
- I am responsible for developing strategies, services design and architecture of state of the art Technology for Defense Sector specifically within the Military Domain.
- I have to abide by official Secret Act 1989, but my work revolves around sensitive, secure and time critical Infrastructure, Compute, Storage, virtualization technology, state of the AR/VR/XR Reality for military training, LAN/WAN/WLAN/IPT/SD-WAN/SASE/Security/ Multi-Cloud/ Segmentation/DLP etc.
- I am responsible for complete end to end Architecture.
Senior architect – (Cloud, Network & Security)
Walkers Global
uk
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Company Overview: an International Tier 1 Law Firm
- I was responsible for service, design & architecture of Walkers Global Network & Cloud Infrastructure.
- This involved multiple data centers across the global, multiple cloud provider including all of our global branches spanning from Cayman Island, Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe, and Dubai etc.
- I was also responsible for the network security and heavily involved in rest of the cyber security initiatives.
- Our environment was mix of multiple vendors and technologies such as Cisco, HP, Tassian, Firewalls, endpoint security services, Global Wi-Fi services, IPT, SD-WAN, SASE, and IAM etc.
- An International Tier 1 Law Firm
Director / Principal Architect – (Cloud, Network & Security)
Digital consulting
Dubai
04.2021 - 02.2024
- I was responsible for developing service design and architecture of Enterprise Services over multi-cloud and multi-site architecture.
- This involved Analyzing digital estate, Developing strategies, design, migration planning, security services and execution over multisite and multi cloud approach.
- This also involved various Vaults, data protection using solutions such as SimpliVity, Cohesity, ASR etc defining data backup strategy utilizing central IAM and state of the art security control.
Leader / Principal Architect – (Cloud, Enterprise & Traders T&T)
European Central Bank
Germany
08.2021 - 02.2023
- I was responsible for service design and architecture of Enterprise Services, IAM, Cloud Migration and enablement of Trader communication platform, back-office services, WAN services, Cloud and DC based hosting platforms which revolved around multi-Site DC design, LAN segment, IaaS, PaaS & SaaS.
- I was engaged from very early stage where I developed the requirement definition, followed by procurement (RFP/RFI) provider selection.
- Then I was the Lead in the complete life-cycle of solution development, security segmentation, Design for Business Continuity, Cloud, Storage, compute, implementation and testing of the Enterprise Services.
Lead Cloud & Network Architect
Allianz Global Investor
UK / Germany
03.2021 - 07.2021
- I was working with AGI as Principal Cloud Consultant - contractor via ISG.
- I was leading the cloud and DC transformation Service Design and Architecture, including migration strategy, solution development and migration which spanned across EU/APAC and America.
- My role was to define the strategy and road-map for Cloud transformation.
Senior Cloud & Network Consultant
United Nations - UNICC
Switzerland
07.2020 - 03.2021
- I was working with UNICC as Senior Consultant, my primary role was to build the cloud migration practice for UNICC.
- This included developing roadmap, strategy, governance, team structure, migration Blueprints and high-level design which were vendor agnostic but focused on Azure & AWS.
- In UN there are over 30 independent entities, my piece of work was intended to be used as the method to enable cloud transformation across all UN entities which includes moving large scale on prem application migration to the cloud.
Principal Cloud & Network Architect
Information Service Group - ISG
UK / Germany
03.2020 - 06.2020
- I was working on ISG’s one of financial services account ( Allianz SE); they took me onboard to develop the strategy for cloud and also to develop Design and Architecture references and design principles for their digital backbone Network and cloud service.
- The client was a global financial service with thousands of offices across the world.
- I was responsible for developing road-map, high level architecture, Future Cloud Platform Services and design principles for SD-WAN, WAN services, MPLS, Identity and Access Management, Azure & AWS cloud services as well as the security services such as firewalls, WAF, Load balancers, Security, storage, compute and cloud native solutions, Genesys Cloud.
- Application Centric Infrastructure LAN, automation between Data Center LAN to cloud via Multi Site Orchestration.
- I was responsible for developing cloud strategy and over all end to end cloud services, IaaS, PaaS & SaaS environment.
- This role was cut short due to COVID-19 crises.
Principal Cloud & Network Architect
TECH Mahindra
London, UK
02.2020 - 03.2020
- TecH-M Hired me to head up the cloud business in the European region, I was covering Azure, AWS & OCI as well as Data Center Transition and Transformation.
- My role was customer facing, that’s where we can engage with C group and snr leadership, identify areas for improvement and develop solution to deliver state of the art services.
- This role was cut short due to COVID-19 crises.
Senior Architect – (NETWORK, Cloud, Security & Data center)
Qatar Foundation
Doha, Qatar
12.2018 - 12.2019
- At Qatar Foundation, I lead multiple complex projects which includes developing service design and architecture to migrate on premises data center service to MS-Azure and Oracle- OCI Cloud, this is the largest cloud transformation project in Middle East.
- I was the Lead Architect responsible for building Complete Enterprise Cloud Architecture from scratch in Azure and OCI to migrate on-prem DC to cloud.
- I was also leading Enterprise Network Refresh in Data Center and campuses across the country.
- I was also responsible for Security Architecture, such as firewall, WAF, IAM, RBAC.
- I interacted directly with Microsoft Azure, Oracle - OCI, Service Integrator and operations to develop design and architecture followed by migration and test plan.
- I interacted directly with Executive Directors and senior leadership and developed scope for project managers to successfully execute the project and successful Transition and Transformation activities.
- I was the Lead Architect responsible for complete end to end migration.
Executive / Leader – Senior Architect – (Network, Cloud & Data center)
IBM
UK-London
11.2016 - 12.2018
- I was part of IBM Leadership – Band 9, focusing on multiple blue chip and high-profile accounts.
- My role at IBM can be summarized as being responsible for complete ownership of Transition and Transformation programs for Enterprise Cloud (AZURE, AWS, SoftLayer), Data Center and Campus Infrastructure.
- I was responsible for developing functional strategies, Service Design and Architecture definition, Deployment, Design Documentation, configuration, testing and handover.
- I owned complete lifecycle from initiation to hand over.
- I held Professional knowledge of functions within business unit / country operations, I reviewed existing Infrastructure estate, identified areas for improvement and transformation, Genesys cloud services, I evaluated and understood organizational resources, priorities, needs and policies.
- I provided guidance to the end client- Snr Management and Lead technical teams for successful T&T.
- I adapt communications and approaches to support negotiations with end client, third parties and various partners resulting in common agreements for solutions.
- My role was client facing, owning Architecture and managing the projects, design and build.
Chief Infrastructure Architect (Cloud & Network)
S&P Global
UK- London
05.2016 - 09.2016
- I was working at SPG as Chief Infrastructure Architect, reporting directly to Senior Director of Infrastructure Delivery and Vice President of Operations; I was working side by side with other Directors and SME in the organization.
- Under SPG banner we had following business units: Dow Jones, Platts, J.D Power, Market Intelligence and Rating business units plus many other groups where we hold significant shares.
- I was leading teams in Technology arena covering complete end to end Enterprise Technology spectrum.
- My Primary role was to develop services, design and Architecture for new acquisitions, co-location design, Enterprise and Data Center Infrastructure refresh for infrastructure which will be used by applications and services which are mix of bandwidth demanding and latency sensitive.
- As part of my work routine I used to interact with various stakeholders such as business unit Directors, Snr Management, and SME’s to define and identify requirements, developing business case, co-ordinate commercial activities and develop Solutions, Services design and architecture.
- This includes developing design documentation, implementation, manage project-based interaction with supplier and providers and oversee various project and activities undertaken by out integrator (ATOS) and suppliers.
PrincipAL Solutions Architect
Allianz SE
Munich Germany
09.2013 - 04.2016
- I worked at Allianz (AMOS) as Principal Solutions Architect / Head of AGN reporting directly to Global Head of Service Design and Architecture.
- I was member of AGN Architecture board, Steering committee and acting as deputy Head of Service Design and Architecture.
- I was leading a team of Technical Architects & Consultants within Technology & Security.
- We were developing Allianz Global Network, which is the largest Enterprise Transition and Transformation project in the world, building regional Datacenter as a Private Cloud Service, with project spent of 650M+ Euros and in total close to 800M.
- This includes 5000+ sites, number of Local DC’s across the globe, regional Core DC’s and 150K+ users.
- As part of my role I had to regularly travel across the globe including APAC, South America, North America, Australia and number of destinations in EU.
- My activities include gathering requirements, and translating requirements into network strategies and systems architecture definition.
- This includes developing the High Level Design / Low level Design, reviewing and approving design, developing, authoring RFI/RFP, and contractual exhibits conducting Negotiation, Evaluation of Solutions and Managing communication and selection of providers.
- I was also responsible for managing Global Integrator and partners such as Verizon, British Telecoms, T-System, Telefonica and Accenture.
- I conducted technical workshop across the globe with CIO/CTO, Regional Network Managers, SME and Architects to define the specific High level design, and convincing the Operational Entity on the solution proposed and deal with all architectural queries.
- I was engaged throughout the life-cycle of the Project from data gathering phase till DC / Site is handed over to operations.
- My Activities were focused around developing the architecture of the Enterprise Network, Data Center, Core, Global WAN Architecture over multiple carriers, internet breakouts, Voice & Video Network Infrastructure, firewalls, partner Access, multicast services while respecting the industry standard, regulatory requirements and local legislation.
Enterprise Architect
Accenture
Munich Germany
09.2012 - 09.2013
- I was working at Accenture as a Lead Enterprise Infrastructure Architect (Contractor), on one of the major financial Institutes account which is a global financial Holding, offering Global Financial Services, based at their Head Quarter in Munich, Germany.
- I was responsible for leading the global design team in developing the Global Network and Data Center Architecture, Data Center consolidation to Core regional DC's, WAN/LAN/IPT/BCRS/Security and migration activities for multiple Operational Entities across the Globe which require high availability and were also latency sensitive.
- My team consisted of Architects and consultants from Cisco Professional services and Accenture.
- I was responsible for requirement gathering, developing the network design (HLD/LLD), global blue prints, and developing network configuration.
Senior Network & Security Consultant
EUMETSAT
Frankfurt, Germany
03.2010 - 10.2012
- I worked at EUMETSAT as a Network & Security Consultant (Contractor), based at their HQ in Darmstadt, Germany.
- New Space programs (Sentinel-3) for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) were under development by European Space Agency (ESA).
- I was involved in the analysis, requirement gathering, design& implementation of IP Network and security related services for Multi Mission Network at the Data Center - Ground Segment.
- I was also responsible for design, implementation and testing of campus MPLS based backbone network, low latency network service for new and existing systems.
- My responsibilities also included reviewing technical documents produced by internal and external bodies, as well as participating in the internal & external meetings.
Network & Security Specialist
IBM
London, UK
12.2008 - 12.2009
- I worked at IBM - BC&RS as Network Specialist (Contractor), responsible for network development, design, implementation and troubleshooting support for six IBM Data Centers across London.
- I looked after IBM’s Blue-Chip clients such as Trading & Investments banks, hedge fund, government & various other clients in the area of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.
Network specialist
AT&T
UK
01.2007 - 12.2008
- I worked for AT&T as a Network Specialist (Contractor) I was responsible for AT&T Global Network Infrastructure, B2B business and network model for AT&T’s Blue-chip clients who utilize AT&T IP/MPLS backbone to communicate with various branches & datacenters across the globe.
- My daily routine involved troubleshooting range of networking issues at client side (CE) routers and switches, provider edge (PE), Managed Firewalls as well as advising customer on upgrades/design-redesign of existing & new network.
Network engineer
BT
UK
03.2006 - 01.2007
- I worked for BT as Network Configuration Engineer (Contractor) through Intact Integrated Service/Westcon - (Cisco Gold Partner) on Global IP/MPLS Project for REUTERS.
- I was involved in deploying & migrating clients across EMEA, ASIA and America to IP/MPLS network and connecting them to REUTER’s datacenter so they can access REUTER’s financial services and applications.
Network & Security consultant
BT
UK
04.2005 - 03.2006
- I Worked for BT Wholesale as a Data Network & Broad Band Consultant (Contractor).
- I had been involved in various projects including migration, commissioning, and deployment / troubleshooting of DSLAM and BRAS.
- I was part of an enthusiastic team working towards 21st century project, focusing on BT’s Core ATM Network, where we had to troubleshoot issues across backbone consisting of ATM (Virtual Circuits, Virtual Paths), STM1-4, Gigabit Ethernet, BRAS (Cisco 72XX & 10XX router) & DSLAM /MUX.
Education
BSC - Business IT
Birmingham City University
Birmingham, UK 06.2003 - 09.2006
HND - Higher National Diploma - Computing
NCC Education
IDCS - International Diploma in Computer Studies
NCC Education
Skills
- PMP- Certified Project Management Professional
- TOGAF Certified
- Saudi Council of Engineer Registered Member: 2583022740
- CCIE :35305 – Certified Expert in Enterprise Infrastructure
- Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
- Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Certified Enterprise Advance Infrastructure Specialist (CCS)
- Certified Enterprise Core Specialist (CCS)
- Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
Architectural Framework & People Management
Enterprise Transition and Transformation
- Microsoft Certified Messaging Specialist
- Certified Azure Solution Architect Expert in Azure
- Full Trained in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure by Oracle
- Fully Trained in AWS
- CISSCP Trained
- SASE
- Enterprise Security
Cloud Transition and Transformation
Security
Personal Information
Citizenship: British Citizen
Custom
- Enterprise Transition & Transformation
- Cloud (AWS/OCI/Azure)
- PaaS
- SaaS & IaaS
- Compute (Windows/Linux)
- Storage
- Databases
- Network services (WAN/LAN/DC, SD-WAN)
- IP Telephony
- WIFI
- Security Services- Zero Trust Architecture
- Segmentation & Network Micro-segmentation
- DLP Email systems
- IAM
- Firewall
- WAF
- IPS/IDS
- CASB
- SASE Trader Turrets
- Load-balancing
- IPAM- IP address Management
- PAM
- RBAC
Timeline
Leader / Snr solutions architect
BAE Systems
07.2024 - 05.2025
Senior architect – (Cloud, Network & Security)
Walkers Global
10.2023 - 07.2024
Leader / Principal Architect – (Cloud, Enterprise & Traders T&T)
European Central Bank
08.2021 - 02.2023
Director / Principal Architect – (Cloud, Network & Security)
Digital consulting
04.2021 - 02.2024
Lead Cloud & Network Architect
Allianz Global Investor
03.2021 - 07.2021
Senior Cloud & Network Consultant
United Nations - UNICC
07.2020 - 03.2021
Principal Cloud & Network Architect
Information Service Group - ISG
03.2020 - 06.2020
Principal Cloud & Network Architect
TECH Mahindra
02.2020 - 03.2020
Senior Architect – (NETWORK, Cloud, Security & Data center)
Qatar Foundation
12.2018 - 12.2019
Executive / Leader – Senior Architect – (Network, Cloud & Data center)
IBM
11.2016 - 12.2018
Chief Infrastructure Architect (Cloud & Network)
S&P Global
05.2016 - 09.2016
PrincipAL Solutions Architect
Allianz SE
09.2013 - 04.2016
Enterprise Architect
Accenture
09.2012 - 09.2013
Senior Network & Security Consultant
EUMETSAT
03.2010 - 10.2012
Network & Security Specialist
IBM
12.2008 - 12.2009
Network specialist
AT&T
01.2007 - 12.2008
Network engineer
BT
03.2006 - 01.2007
Network & Security consultant
BT
04.2005 - 03.2006
BSC - Business IT
Birmingham City University
06.2003 - 09.2006
HND - Higher National Diploma - Computing
NCC Education
IDCS - International Diploma in Computer Studies
NCC Education
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