
Krishnakumar Kottekkat
Chief Information Security Officer | CISSP, CRISC
Salary / Daily rate
Nahwa - Aturrah - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Freelance, open to permanent contract
Languages
About me
Intro
CISO with 25+ years driving cybersecurity excellence and digital transformation for global organizations. Led FIFA 2022 stadium security infrastructure, achieved SOC 2/ISO 27001 certifications, and scaled companies to $65M+ valuations. Expert in GRC, cloud migration, and enterprise security architecture with proven $10M+ revenue impact.
Work experience
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | Immediately Available
(currently exploring opportunities)
Jan 2025 - Present
1 year 10 months
Nahwa - Aturrah - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
As a Chief Information Security Officer, I specialize in leading Cybersecurity, IT Governance, and Digital Transformation initiatives. I’m seeking to join an organization where I can deliver impactful advisory services, work closely with the C-level Executives and guide complex transformation projects to strengthen corporate IT security, align digital strategies with business objectives and provide comprehensive information security expertise. Core Area of Expertise: IT Strategy & Operations, Enterprise Architecture Design, Cybersecurity Governance & Data Protection, Infrastructure Optimization, Risk Management, CISSP, CRISC, Network Operations Security, Regulatory Compliance, ISO27001, NOC 2, HIPPA, NIST 800-53, CIS, Budget & Resource Management, Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity, Vendor Relationships Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, ITIL, PMP, IT Governance & Framework, Change Management, Scalable System Design , Team Management & Coaching,
Chief Information Security Officer
ConnectSecure
Jun 2023 - Oct 2024
1 year 5 months
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
As a Chief Information Security Officer, I reported directly to the President. Trained a team of 60 to 90 personnel on all compliance standards while acting as a subject matter expert on compliance standards (NIST 800-53, 171, CMMC, FedRAMP, HIPAA, ISO 27001, CIS, Cyber Essentials, Essentials 8, PCI DSS, GDPR, NIS2). I led the implementation and maintenance of SOC 2, GDPR, and ISO standards, created assessments for new standards like CMMC and NIS2 on the platform, and provided detailed configurations for implementing all compliance standards. Additionally, I advised customers on best practices for implementing compliance standards to ensure alignment with industry requirements. Key Accomplishments > I improved compliance success rates and platform credibility by achieving SOC 2, GDPR, and ISO 27001 certifications with structure and execution. > I Minimized risk exposure by implementing comprehensive risk management strategies to address critical vulnerabilities. > I increased employee security awareness and protocol adherence through targeted training programs
Director of Information Technology Operations
INTALEQ
Sep 2020 - Jul 2023
2 years 11 months
Doha, Qatar
As a Director of IT Operations, I've managed delivery of interconnected FIFA 2022 stadiums with centralized operational platforms. Led deployment of hybrid infrastructure, enhancing ecosystems through tech collaborations. Negotiated IT service contracts to increase revenue and establish market leadership. Crafted strategic business plans aligned with executive goals. Directed security initiatives, implementing access control, surveillance, and data protection. Drove innovation through contributions to strategic committees and improvement efforts. Key Accomplishments > Enhanced operational efficiency by delivering one-of-a-kind centralized monitoring systems connecting all FIFA stadiums and venues and implementing the digital twin. > Surpassed annual revenue targets by building alliances with international tech firms and sports organizations. > Boosted system reliability and availability by introducing hybrid infrastructure and global tech partnerships. > Strengthened security with comprehensive physical and digital asset protection systems. > I founded and scaled the company to a valuation of 250M QAR within three years.
Aspire Zone Foundation
Oct 2010 - Dec 2022
12 years 3 months
Manager IT Strategy & Operations
Sep 2015 - Dec 2022
7 years 4 months
Skills: Penetration Testing · Security Architecture Design · Vulnerability Management · IT Operations Management · General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) · Information Security Management System (ISMS) · Managed Services · Microsoft Azure · SOC 2 · Disaster Recovery · Cyber Risk Management · Cybersecurity Incident Response · Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) · Security Audits · Information Assurance · ITIL Certified · Compliance Management · Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) · Digital Transformation · Service-Level Agreements (SLA) · IT Operations · Hybrid Cloud · Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) · Regulatory Requirements · Strategic Thinking · Cloud Migration · Cloud Infrastructure · Third-Party Vendor Management · Information Security Awareness Training · IT Security Operations
Head of IT Strategy & Governance & Acting Head - Infrastructure Operations
Oct 2012 - Oct 2020
8 years 1 month
Doha, Qatar
I enabled cloud transformation and optimized infrastructure by defining IT strategy, technical architecture, and roadmaps for AZF. I ensured service quality and operational security by designing robust architectural frameworks for both in-house and third-party services, supported by effective governance. To improve IT oversight and alignment with business objectives, I established governance mechanisms that streamlined IT activities. Additionally, I advised business units on adopting emerging technology trends, and enhancing organizational competitiveness. Key Accomplishments: > I increased efficiency by 25% by applying governance frameworks across IT operations. >. I boosted system performance by 30% by implementing IT roadmaps for cloud adoption. > I achieved cost efficiency by optimizing a 32 million QAR annual budget within the first year. > I enhanced scalability and efficiency by leading the migration from on-premises to cloud-based infrastructure. > I pioneered the organization’s first Azure-based on-premises infrastructure, enabling hybrid cloud capabilities and future-proofing operations.
Enterprise IT Governance Officer
Oct 2010 - Oct 2012
2 years 1 month
Doha, Qatar
I directed governance activities to ensure compliance with enterprise architecture standards and alignment with organizational objectives. I aligned IT frameworks with business strategies to drive the achievement of key organizational goals. I integrated and upgraded systems, ensuring seamless compatibility across platforms and middleware. I established IT governance policies, accountability frameworks, and decision-making structures to enhance operational efficiency and oversight. I managed IT change, demand, and budget allocation for pipeline projects, ensuring resource optimization and successful delivery. I maintained IT risk management plans and registers, proactively addressing vulnerabilities and mitigating risks. Key Accomplishments: > I revamped IT performance and sustainability by implementing processes to identify and exploit opportunities. > I formulated organizational alignment by integrating IT architecture with business goals. > I catalyzed governance maturity levels through targeted awareness programs. > I reduced IT vulnerabilities by 20% by implementing a robust risk management framework.
Chief Officer-IT Projects & Information Security
Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence
Jul 2008 - Oct 2010
2 years 4 months
Skills: IT Operations Management · Digital Transformation
Business Controls Analyst
IBM India PVT LTD
Jan 2006 - Jul 2008
2 years 7 months
Skills: Security Audits
Systems Manager
NHS Centre
Nov 2003 - Jul 2005
1 year 9 months
Branshlome ,Hull UK
IT Assistant
Academic Computing Services
Feb 2004 - May 2005
1 year 4 months
Hull, UK
Manager Network Services
NeST Connectivity Solutions
Apr 2002 - Aug 2003
1 year 5 months
Kochi, Kerala, India
NeST Information Technologies Pvt Ltd
Dec 1999 - May 2002
2 years 6 months
Senior Consultant
Dec 1999 - May 2002
2 years 6 months
Systems Facility Manager
Dec 1999 - May 2002
2 years 6 months
Hardware Engineer
Case Consult India Pvt Ltd
Sep 1997 - Jan 1999
1 year 5 months
Technopark , Trivandrum , India
Education
Asian School of Cyber Law
Advanced Program in Cyber Law
2017 - 2018
1 year 1 month
University of Hull
MBA
2003 - 2005
2 years 1 month
2003 BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE(BITS Pilani)
MS
2001 - 2003
2 years 1 month
Cochin University of Science and Technology
B.Tech
1993 - 1997
4 years 1 month
Chinmaya Vidyalaya
1979 - 1993
14 years 1 month