Krishnakumar Kottekkat

Chief Information Security Officer | CISSP, CRISC

Salary / Daily rate

Nahwa - Aturrah - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates

Freelance, open to permanent contract

Languages

EnglishHindiMalayalam

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.

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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

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