Philip Morris International

Acting as the primary responsible for first line of defense functions, I am currently leading PMI’s global cybersecurity program and BAU security/ compliance services across Product/ Device and Operations business units (covering Research & Development, Product Innovation, Product Engineering, Quality Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing Engineering Services, Manufacturing Solutions and Services, Supply Chain and Track & Trace Solutions).

I am currently overseeing the orchestration and delivery of a global Industrial/ OT cybersecurity program across all PMI factories, in alignment with ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards.

I am also in charge of designing and executing the cybersecurity program for Product to fortify “Device to Cloud” defense for smoke-free portfolio, which includes heated tobacco (IQOS), e-vapor, and oral smokeless products.

My current role, also acting as the global BISO and working closely with the CISO, is to bridge the gap between security and business interests, contributing to security awareness and overseeing the strategy implementation across all areas of the business units. As the cybersecurity champion for the business, my responsibilities span a wide range of activities (from project to BAU), including defining and prioritizing risk treatment strategy, developing capabilities across the cybersecurity value chain, orchestrating the execution of risk treatment activities, and embedding “security by design” across processes and technologies.

Global Head - Product and Operations Cybersecurity

HFS Research

Built and led the Digital Trust and Cybersecurity research practice. I successful managed to setup a global research team and delivered a wide range of initiatives for global service providers and enterprise clients. 

I don’t look at cybersecurity as a tech-only puzzle. My research agenda gravitates around two domains, augmentation and protection, and focuses on six core thematic research pillars: the remit and goals of the CISO in the hyperconnected world, reducing the IT risk and security skill gap, augmenting IT and security functions (across the 3 lines of defense) with intelligent solutions, trusting the cloud security environment, managing identity and access risks, and responding to modern security threats.

My custom research projects allowed me to work very closely with cybersecurity executives in Global 2000 enterprises. The goal of such projects was to provide data-driven analysis and strategic recommendations in areas such as ransomware, zero trust, digital identity, next generation SOC, cyber risk quantification, cloud security, Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS) models, GRC, Cyber Ranges, and security automation and orchestration.

Vice President & Practice Leader - Digital Trust & Cybersecurity/ Applied Automation

I was part of the Core Tech Strategy & Transformation Leadership Team in the capacity of Senior Director. Working closely with the CISO leadership team, my key objective was to build/design/operate a new global Cybersecurity and Control Governance function aimed at managing and governing cybersecurity risks across GSK corporate and business-unit specific areas.

Led the design, build and deployment of a global environment to manage privileged access across IT and OT environments (supported by CyberArk, SailPoint, Splunk and Imperva solutions).

Led the deployment of new breed of managed security services (looking beyond cybersecurity-centric services, delivered through traditional MSSP models, and deploying a more evolutionary model that unifies cybersecurity and compliance “by design”).

Designed the Cybersecurity Target Operating Architecture and Model for Haleon, the new consumer healthcare company.

Led the global Security Governance program with an “automation-first” mindset. I managed the deployment of advanced automation and monitoring mechanisms via different technological enablers (dedicated off-the-shelf solutions, custom build engine, RPA, Intelligent Automation, ML) to continuously monitor and measure the operating effectiveness of existing risks and controls.

Senior Director - Core Tech Strategy and Transformation

Director - Core Tech Strategy and Transformation

My role was to setup a global GRC function to manage risks and controls governing the most critical processes supported by global applications at GSK (such as the global ERP system, SAP, that supports all core operations from manufacturing to finance).  My initial goal was to support the deployment of security framework across all regions and implement a “GRC by design” template to ensure risk and compliance standardization across global and BU-specific IT and Business functions.

I have also led the design and deployment of one of the largest global Intelligent Automation programs across all GSK Business Units (including the implementation of a global Automation Centre of Excellence and enablement of regional scalable Automation Deliver Hubs).

Director - Global Applications and Development

Senior Manager - IT Advisory Services

Senior Manager - Risk Advisory Services

Manager - Technology Security and Risk Services

KPMG

Senior Consultant - IT Audit Services

Follow me if you are looking for an honest, pragmatic and above all funny perspective on technology, workplace, cybersecurity, automation and AI.

The statements, views, or opinions expressed in my LinkedIn profile and related articles represent my own views and not necessarily those of my employer.

Ralph Aboujaoude Diaz

Companies pay millions so YouTube can shove ads down our throats, and then we pay YouTube to stop shoving ads down our throats. 

Someone managed to create a business model where everyone pays and no one wins. Genius.

#technology #ai #workplace

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Global Head - Governance, Risk, and Compliance for Digital & Tech @ Haleon

She said she is powered by love but it turns out it is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090.

Maybe I am too old and that is what love looks like in the age of AI.

#technology #ai #workplace

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It turns out the secret to financial success was just telling Mom to get her own account. Small things can have a big impact.

#technology #ai #workplace

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I finally found a book that truly understands my daily reality of carrying the burden of always being correct.

The problem at work is that people just see the outcomes, but not the behind-the-scenes challenge of being the person who consistently has the right answer.

Believe me, it is hard to be always right, but someone has to bear the weight.

#technology #workplace

Follow me if you are looking for an honest, sarcastic and funny perspective on technology and workplace. Hit the 🔔 on my profile to get a notification for all my new posts.

This sums up pretty well the current career climate.

#technology #ai #workplace

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ReadyWorks

In this role, Mark oversees and manages the Professional Services organization of ReadyWorks. This team is responsible for ensuring the successful deployment and servicing of our software platform for Fortune 100 and Federal Government clients. 

In this role, Mark's primary duties include:
• Leads Professional Services engagements and coordinates activities across organizations, including objective alignment, milestones, roles, and responsibilities.

• Managing and bringing Best Practices to the ReadyWorks Support Team to better service the client base.

• Establishing a ReadyWorks Learning and Training Services offering with enablement programs to support continuous skills development within our customer base, as well as integration of materials in our Support technologies.

• Monitoring and Managing key metrics that reflect our Customer Experience

• Mark’s leadership had the following impact when comparing Q1 vs Q2 2023 performance:
	➟	Average Time to Resolve down by 25% vs Q1
	➟	Average First Response Time down by 33% vs Q1
	➟	Urgent support requests resolved 52% more quickly vs Q1
	➟	Service Requests Reopened by the Customer down by 67% vs Q1

Director of Professional Services

As a Senior Technical Program Manager, Mark is a customer facing representative of the ReadyWorks Professional Services team, and responsible for the engagement of Customer Resources, as well as managing Technical SMEs to support the onboarding and automation of Customer processes through the ReadyWorks platform.

His role includes discussions with Customer Resources about the Process(es) being onboarded including the design of the configurable databases.  These discussions include Design and architecture conversations, and Logistics and Planning discussions in order to carry out the configuration of the ReadyWorks platform.

Senior Technical Program Manager

-Independent Consultant-

Leveraging his previous experience, Mark broke out to independently consult for various businesses looking to drive revenue, streamline branding and expand their presence in growth markets.  

Running this practice Mark leverages his specialties in business situation analysis, process and technology solution design and value proposition/sales strategy development.  In addition to business focused engagements, Mark consults to various professionals with their own personal technology needs.

Organizations that have relied on Mark's experience and expertise include:
•  RFPMD – Consulted with this Chicago based provider of Proposal design and development services in order to expand into the technology RFP market.  Provided market research and intellectual property.  www.rfpmd.com

•  ATA Solutions – Aided in the planning and development of this start-up professional services firm. Crafted sales proposals and engineered solutions for engagements with the US gov't including the EPA and Dep't of Homeland Security.

•  Gigunda Group – Implemented retail silk-screen operations for the client of this 'Innovation Marketing Company.'  The client was a Times Square NY concept store using stage lighting, interactive media, an on-site bakery and on-demand silk-screen operation to generate both interactive brand awareness and a truly one of a kind customer experience in a one of a kind location. www.poptartsworld.com/nyc

•  Team Gear, Inc – Planned business integration between the company and Mundi-Westport, an international importer of leather goods.  The plan established operational linkages to support sales from a new market niche. Team Gear is a local NJ provider of high-end imprinted team & spirit wear.  www.teamgearinc.com

Business Consultant - Technology Services

Rubicon Consulting Solutions

Mark lead the technical discipline for Rubicon Consulting in the development and management of a Global RFP for Multi-Function Devices (Office Copiers) including Incident and Service Request Management platforms. The bid included six (6) internationally known Vendors in the request. 

The overall engagement yielded a 25% reduction in expense year over year for the Customer, an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City. This Customer is the world's largest asset manager with US$10 trillion in assets under management as of January 2022, operating in 30 countries.

Principal Consultant - RFP Management

Swiss Post Solutions

Mark handed detailed design and implementation of document scanning and process improvements for a leading Life and Health Insurance company with $73B in assets managed which support 29MM customers.

Principal Consultant - Digitization Solutions

Interactive Intelligence

Mark was brought on-board to help manage the growth occurring at this explosively growing software manufacturer in Services Sales within the East US Region.  Interactive focuses on assisting organizations of all types move the right interaction to the right destination at the right time.  Doing this more efficiently through a completely integrated platform allows companies that run the Interactive platform to be more nimble and responsive to the needs of their customer base.

Interactive Intelligence's solutions make handing any interaction type more effective and efficient: inbound call management, SMS or Web Chat, Fax, scheduled call backs, outbound dialing campaigns (preview, power or predictive), workforce management, workforce forecasting, collections management, cloud-based or premises based.

Using Interactive's software and capabilities the Professional Services Organization which Mark represents can craft a bespoke solution that will increase productivity, reduce risk and deliver tangible savings to your CFO.

Mark supported several marquee customers in the financial services, publishing and healthcare industries.  Mark generated >$4.5MM in services revenue for 2014, ranking him second globally.  In 2014 Mark's team completed the first deployment of a new global infrastructure for a recognized name in the publishing industry.

Engagement Manager - Professional Services

Mark assisted the Knowledge & Client Solutions ("KCS") team developing the IT & Call Center business from the NYC headquarters of Swiss Post Solutions, NA.  Throughout his time with SPS, Mark helped retain and secure several marquee accounts for their new North American based Document Processing Centers (DPCs).

After two years in the document processing and office outsourcing market, Mark was eager to return to the contact center space with an up and coming company that was unheard of when he had left the market in 2008.

Lead Business Analyst - Knowledge & Client Solutions

Nuance Communications (formerly Viecore)

Mark Ward was a founding principal of the Business Consulting Services ("BCS") organization, a sales overlay team, for this leader in Speech Recognition technology which is everywhere including the Ford Sync and the voice activation on your Blackberry.  During his tenure the group grew to 15 FTE generating $4.5MM in billable services & providing significant presales support.

The BCS team focused on Fortune 500 clients where Mark utilized his mastery in the development & presentation of solutions with supporting business cases to C-level executives.  

Under his leadership the team successfully generated almost $45MM in pull-through professional services and recurring revenue (a 10:1 ratio vs consulting dollars).

His varied responsibilities included:
• Business & market development of branded consulting services.from unit inception
• Identified, scoped, negotiated & closed services and management consulting engagements.
• Designed, developed & maintained marketing collateral, standard service delivery tools & models.
• Business Case/ROI/Savings model subject matter expertise.
• Developed and Implemented the standardized delivery approach
• Focused on the client sensitivity for capex vs opex
• Supported customer experience objectives for multi-channel contact centers.  
• BCS deliverables set the standard for the industry.

Mark has deep specialization in the identification & illustration of value propositions for technology & their use to drive solutions within enterprises across many industries including Healthcare, Insurance, Banking & Utilities.

In the summer of 2008 Mark personally delivered Nuance's first in-country prof services engagement in India.  Effort rationalized and planned the transformation of application portfolio for Bharti-Airtel, India's largest wireless telecommunications provider.

This team was a part of Nuance's acquisition of Viecore in 2007.  Viecore was a contact center systems integration firm based in Mahwah, NJ.

Principal Consultant – Business Consulting Services

AT&T Solutions - Florham Park, NJ

Mark was recruited to AT&T Solutions to manage Business Development efforts with select, industry leading System Integrators in order to bring a Desktop Support Services offering to market.  

Mark's contribution included the negotiation of MSAs, the rationalization of capabilities with partner service portfolios.  He served as the liaison with stakeholders in legal, vendor management, offer management, offer development & vendor/partners teams.  

Mark aided in opportunity development as the 'Help Desk & End-User Support Services' subject matter expert within Offer Management.  He also participated as the Offer Management stakeholder in the UAT of new monitoring tools and platforms.

Partner MSAs were in place by the end of 2000 and the service was in the process of identifying an FOI client when the organization refocused on Managed Network Services.

During his final role at AT&T Mark supported the Offer Management activities for network managed services supporting router, DNS-DHCP, WLAN, server and LAN technologies within the Managed Application Services unit of AT&T Business Services.  His teamwork lead to the team exceeding revenue goals by 400%+

Program Manager - Offer Management

ENTEX Information Services - NYC Branch

Mark was recruited to ENTEX to serve as a Help Desk manager for the Memorial Sloan Kettering on-site help desk supporting 5500 users with a team of 16 agents and 35 field engineers.  Eventually Mark served as Project Executive on this account that generated $8MM annual revenue.

His adept abilities at process analysis and report development  led to several opportunities to provide value to his clients.  Some examples include:
• Served as the lead PC IMAC Process Analyst at Morgan Stanley to enable efficiencies in procurement, and PC asset management.
• Developed reporting and metrics packages for outsourcing clients including MetLife, Guardian Life and Morgan Stanley

His leadership led to the management of the 'Help Desk and Reporting Services' practice within the NYC branch generating $5.5M in revenue within 12 months following the division of the company into wholly separate solutions and hardware companies.

Rapid growth drove Mark's promotion to the role of National Solutions Architect for the strategic accounts pursuit team where he helped craft sales strategy and coordinate efforts to win national outsourcing opportunities.

Solutions Architect - Help Desk & End-User Support

Pfizer Inc.- CIT Help Desk / World HQ in NY

Mark was initially recruited as an agent within the Corporate Information Technology Help Desk supporting 5,000 clients answering 95,000 calls annually.  

Mark served as a Tier 2/3 resource and a point of escalation for the team.  It was in this role that Mark developed his mastery of Microsoft Office and got his first real exposure to enterprise IT support.

His mastery of the Pfizer infrastructure resulted in a role with the Help Desk management team (16 FTE) where he focused on project based work to improve and expand help desk service.

During his time supporting special projects at Pfizer major achievements included:
• Definition & documentation of internal processes and policies to support the outsourcing of the Pfizer WAN to AT&T.
• Delivery of service support training to over 500 Pfizer site administrators during the transition of WAN support responsibilities to AT&T
• Upgrade, configuration & administration of CIT Help Desk incident tracking tool (Utopia) for the Pharm business unit.
• Administration and maintenance of ACD and CTI integration with the phone system(s) 
• Serving as IT liaison with business units to document service requirements & identify expansion opportunities
• Conducted screening and interviews of candidates for entry-level agent positions
• Developed new performance reporting for IT senior management

Consultant - Help Desk & Special Projects

Process Automation Fanatic, Services Idealist

A Sales and Delivery Leader in Professional Services with >27yrs experience helping customers meet efficiency & effectiveness goals.  Mark's unique experience measuring and influencing Customer Metrics across multiple disciplines allows him to bring a powerful set of analytic & creative tools to bear on many new & challenging business scenarios.

Mark's illustration of the robust and rich solutions can be communicated at any level of the organization, from the staff impacted by changes to the C-Level suite in order to connect the work at hand to bottom line success.  As a result of any engagement, his work connects to 'tell a story'​ showing where things are today through to the future state vision including the necessary steps to realize success.

Using a unique flair for numbers & a presentation style that easily breaks down huge data sets to specific relevant points (which illustrate 'the story'​), he easily digests data sets others find formidable and finds meaningful trends that influence success.  The point throughout the 'telling of the story' is to identify relevant data points, actionable recommendations, and then cost justify them in preparation for assessment by your leadership team.  Dozens of organizations have leveraged this expertise across both geographic & industry lines:

Financial Svcs / Life / P&C Insurers
• AXA Financial / Equitable Life Insurance
• BlackRock, Inc.
• Met Life
• Morgan Stanley
• Sallie Mae Bank
• Navient Solutions

Law Firms / Lawyers
• Mayer Brown, LLP
• Wilmer Hale, LLP

Medical / Pharmaceutical / Health Insurers
• BCBS Orgs (CT, MT, NJ, NY)
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Pfizer Pharmaceutical

Media / Advertising
• Publicis Groupe / Re:Sources (shared IT services)
• XM Radio

Public Service / Utilities
• NYS Dept of Labor
• Tucson Electric Power of AZ
• Vermont Dept of Information and Innovation

Telecommunications Services
• Avaya
• Bharti Airtel
• Qwest Communications

Publishing
• Pearson K-12

Specialties: Process Analysis, Solution Justification, Request for Proposal &/or Response Creation/Assessment, Service Portfolio Management, Engagement Management, C-Level Communication, Analytics, Metrics, Reporting, Forecasting, Call Center, IVR, ASR, TTS, VXML, SOA, Office Productivity, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Scalable, Repeatable, Predictable, Inbound, Containment, Customer Experience, Branding, Enterprise Architecture, Mail, Records Management, Word Processing, Help Desk, VoIP

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