Ahmed Mohamed Abdel Meguid Ismail

Appointed to lead enterprise-wide IT operations, cybersecurity strategy, and infrastructure modernization across 40+ retail branches. Direct technology roadmap execution, budget oversight, vendor partnerships, and cross-functional teams spanning Network, Security, Support, Wireless, Development, and VoIP functions. Concurrently manage technical sales and solution architecture for Gulf
Technology Valley (GTV), the group's IT solutions division, delivering scalable infrastructure to external clients, including Oilfields Supply Center, Advanced Petrochemical, Gulf Union, Paris Gallery, and Montblanc. Core Focus: IT Infrastructure & Operations | Cybersecurity & Network Architecture | Project Delivery & Budget Control | Team Leadership & Vendor Management | Business Continuity Planning

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
•Cost Reduction: Reduced MPLS expenses significantly through FortiGate SD-WAN (ADVPN) deployment across all branches while maintaining network performance.
•Infrastructure Modernization: Upgraded core network by replacing legacy chassis switches with Cisco Nexus, enhancing performance and resiliency enterprise-wide.
•Virtualization Optimization: Replaced VMware with the Sangfor platform, cutting licensing costs and improving infrastructure efficiency.
•Security Enhancement: Strengthened cybersecurity posture by migrating from Cisco ASA Firepower to FortiGate NGFW with unified threat protection, FortiMail email security, and FortiAnalyzer for complete visibility.
•Centralized Management: Integrated FortiManager for standardized network and security administration across all locations.
•Budget Control: Controlled yearly IT budgets and reduced operational spending through strategic planning and vendor negotiations.
•Disaster Recovery: Designed and implemented a functional DR site for headquarters, ensuring business continuity and compliance with organizational RPO/RTO requirements.
•Project Delivery: Delivered a mission-critical portfolio worth 3, 000, 000 SR within committed timelines and cost parameters.

KEY IMPACTS & LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
•Deployed Cisco IP Telephony across branches, including IVR, call recording, Unity voicemail, and unified communications features.
•Redesigned enterprise VLAN architecture, improving network segmentation, security, and efficiency.
•Managed IT operations for 40+ retail branches, ensuring stability, availability, and service continuity.
•Led Network, Security, Support, Wireless, and Development teams, fostering collaboration and operational excellence.
•Advanced client infrastructure by replacing legacy data center solutions with next-generation Fortinet NGFWs and SD-WAN technologies.
•Enhanced Gulf Union's enterprise security through MDM, DLP, NGFW, email gateway, and Kaspersky implementation while managing Cisco CUCM and CCX voice solutions.
•Directed full migration for APC, replacing legacy Cisco voice systems and migrating CUCM, CCX, IM&P, Unity Connection, and Expressway C&E configurations.

Engaged to transform network, VoIP, and security infrastructure for the multimillion-dollar ApiCorp Bank project. Surveyed existing infrastructure, designed comprehensive solutions aligned with business requirements, and recommended security, disaster management, and data recovery strategies. Planned Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs), presenting project strategy, budget, policies, and resolution pathways. Core Focus: Network & VoIP Infrastructure Design | Security Architecture | Infrastructure Planning | Project Strategy & Budget

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
•Collaboration Infrastructure: Installed, upgraded, and managed Cisco collaboration solutions, including CUCM, UCCX, IM & Presence, Unity Connection, Expressway C & E, UMS, Telepresence Server, Conductor, Management Suite, CIMC, and CUIC in high availability mode.
•Network Implementation: Led configuration, backup, and troubleshooting of Cisco 3945, 4300, 4500 routers and Cisco 2960x, 3850, 4500, 9200, 9300, 9500 switches.
•Security Architecture: Implemented a data center FortiGate 2201d firewall managing internal subnet traffic in HA mode and a FortiGate 1500d edge firewall in HA mode.
•Multi-Site Operations: Managed MPLS routers between headquarters and branches, including internet routers, core and access switches, and a complete VoIP solution (CUCM, IM&P, CUC, UCCX, Expressway C&E, CIMC, CUIC, UMS, Telepresence, CUBE).

Joined an insurance provider to modernize network infrastructure. Audited network and telecommunications systems, identified next-generation solutions, and designed installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of network hardware, software,
communication links, LANs, and WANs. Drove change management, advancing policies, training teams on new solutions, and standardizing administration best practices to improve service delivery and performance. Core Focus: Network Infrastructure Modernization | Team Leadership & Training | Change Management | VoIP & Call Center Solutions

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
•Firewall Upgrade: Introduced Palo Alto-3050 next-generation firewall providing zero downtime with advanced zones, netting, tunneling, policies, and routing, replacing Juniper SRX 240H.
•Fax Modernization: Achieved high availability for faxing through a virtualized IFAX solution integrated with a Cisco router as SIP VoIP-GW, connecting faxing with email and Oracle application.
•Call Center Transformation: Transitioned organization from analog to virtual call center with Call Manager, Contact Center Express, Work Force Optimizer, Unified Intelligence Center, and Enterprise License Manager (CUCM 9, UCCX 9, CUWFO 9, CUIC 9, ELM 9).
•Unified Communications: Participated in installation, upgrade, and management of Cisco Call Center solutions (CUCM, UCCX, IM & Presence, Unity Connection) and Avaya Core Centrals (BCM 400, 450).
•Network Device Management: Implemented, configured, backed up, and troubleshot Juniper SSG350M, SRX240H firewalls, Cisco routers (1841, 1941, 2811, 2821, 2911, 2921, 3825), HP switches (5400zl, 2610, 2910, 2620, 3500), and Cisco switches (2960, 3750).