Ashleigh Watson, CTO Advisor Board Member

Ashleigh Watson

CTO Advisor Board Member

Payment Guru

Location
Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
Education
High school or equivalent, Information Systems, Computing
Experience
34 years, 9 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :34 years, 9 Months

CTO Advisor Board Member at Payment Guru
  • United Kingdom - London
  • My current job since December 2023

• Maintained high-level knowledge of current and emerging technology development and applications.
• Designed enterprise-level technological blueprints and system architectures.
• Laid out complete business continuity plan to maintain data protection in event of natural disaster or long-term outage.
• Championed data-driven decision-making, integrating advanced analytics tools for predictive insights.
• Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives to modernize business operations and enhance customer experience.
• Improved program delivery performance and reliability.
• Cultivated strong vendor relationships, negotiating favorable terms for hardware, software, and support contracts.
• Developed and implemented long-term strategic technological blueprint.
• Briefed executives on technology risks and suggested ways to alleviate concerns.
• Established robust cybersecurity protocols, mitigating risks and safeguarding sensitive company information.

Chief Information Security Officer at Masoon
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • My current job since February 2021

• Developed a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, aligning with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Assisting Masoon with SAMA CSF and NCA - in preparation for full implementation post license awarded
• Enhanced company security posture by implementing risk assessments and vulnerability management.
• Established measures, metrics, thresholds and targets to drive performance in alignment with security and other business strategies.
• Researched, reviewed and recommended equipment, materials and supplies to prepare and maintain security expenses within approved budget.
• Optimized budgetary resources through strategic allocation towards high-impact security initiatives and projects.
• Implemented a continuous improvement framework for ongoing assessment of security controls effectiveness.
• Collaborated with executive leadership to develop long-term cybersecurity goals and vision for the organization.
• Established strong relationships with cross-functional teams to promote a culture of information security awareness.

Chief Technology Officer at Lugmety
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • June 2023 to February 2024

• Directed Lugmety software engineering team's complex project development and functionality objectives; including new Mobile Application Release.
• Managed company-level architecture, platform and data configuration processes and implementation protocols.
• Implemented numerous communication channels - Slack - Trello - Confluence - Jira
• Mentored Saudi Nationals, fostering professional growth and skill development within team.
• Collaborated with third-party vendors to implement new Mobile Application (UK - Karachi and Saudi Arabia)
• Laid out complete business continuity plan to maintain data protection in event of natural disaster or long-term outage.
• Maintained high-level knowledge of current and emerging technology development and applications.
• Designed, implemented, configured and integrated Artificial Intelligence for use within Lugmety software applications
• Developed and implemented long-term strategic technological blueprint.
• Maintained thorough understanding of all key and current technologies, platforms and trends.
• Improved Lugmety DevOps program delivery performance and reliability
• Delivered smooth technology transitions during periods of rapid growth or reorganization that minimized disruption to end users

Virtual CISO at Delio Wealth
  • United Kingdom - Cardiff
  • February 2023 to December 2023

• Full compliance to ISO 27001:2013 - Audit July 2023 - no failures
• Aligned Delio to ISO 27001:2022 - documentation / processes / procedures
• Regular Weekly Information Security Meetings
• Involvement with other Delio Stakeholders - Engineering - Finance - HR
• Implemented Knowbe4 training platform
• Implemented a Business Continuity Plan aligned with ISO 27001:2022 and 2013
• Numerous Information Security Workshops - including Table Top Exercises

Chief Consultant at BinZomah
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • October 2021 to June 2023

• Implemented SAMA CSF - NCA - SACS002 Frameworks for multiple clients
• Led engineers to implement Active Directory and Exchange installations; including Design - Build and Testing
• Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.
• Implemented practices and procedures to reduce expenditures and increase savings.
• Mentored Saudi Nationals, fostering professional growth and skill development within team.
• Collaborated with teams to define, strategize, and implement marketing and web strategies.
• Onboarded and managed new client accounts to boost retention rates.
• Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
• Designed, implemented, configured and integrated Artificial Intelligence for use within BinZomah Cyber Security application

Chief Information Security Officer at Al Yusr Leasing and Financing
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • September 2017 to October 2021

• Implemented SAMA CSF Framework to Level 3 maturity
• Implemented NCA Framework to full compliance
• Assisted with SAMA BCM Framework
• Given exception by SAMA for CISO Position in Saudi Financial Sector
• Setup Cyber Security Function; reporting to Chief Risk Officer
• Mentored Saudi Nationals, fostering professional growth and skill development within team.
• Established measures, metrics, thresholds and targets to drive performance in alignment with security and other business strategies.
• Developed and grew staff competencies through team development, implementation and support of specific training for various responsibilities.
• Directed security services and safety functions to align key processes with goals and objectives of Al Yusr and regulatory compliance.
• Recommend improvements in security systems and procedures.
• Researched and developed new computer forensic tools.
• Monitored use of data files and regulated access to protect secure information.
• Performed risk analyses to identify appropriate security countermeasures.
• Developed plans to safeguard computer files against modification, destruction, or disclosure.
• Reviewed violations of computer security procedures and developed mitigation plans.
• Engineered, maintained and repaired security systems and programmable logic controls.
• Conducted security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
• Researched, reviewed and recommended equipment, materials and supplies to prepare and maintain security expenses within approved budget.

Chief Cyber Operations Officer at SecurityMatterz
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • January 2017 to September 2021

• Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
• Led security consultant team for SAMA CSF for multiple Finance / Insurance customers
• Provided leadership for continual management and employee training initiatives.
• Allocated resources to planned programs according to business objectives.
• Oversaw staff and sub-contractor performance review assessments.
• Promoted use of multichannel communication strategies, automated chat and social messaging.
• Mentored Saudi Nationals, fostering professional growth and skill development within team.
• Prepared documents for internal and external audits.
• Optimized costs to contribute to productivity, cost development and proficiency of central fulfillment operations.
• Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

Chief Infrastructure Consultant at King Abdullah City Atomic Renewal Energy (KACare)
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • October 2014 to January 2017

• Total rebuild of Active Directory Infrastructure to Windows Server 2012 R2
• Migrated Exchange 2010 to Exchange 2013 - 1500 mailboxes
• Defined strategic objectives to identify requirements and outcomes.
• Restructured old application processes to improve performance and integrity.
• Analyzed and maintained system and application performance.
• Mentored Saudi Nationals, fostering professional growth and skill development within team.
• Collaborated with teams in disaster planning, network backup and recovery process monitoring.
• Oversaw development and maintenance of computer systems, server upgrades and operating systems.
• Protected forensic value of data and established monitoring and incident reporting and response procedures.
• Developed network test and validation processes to maintain alignment with solution design.
• Checked rigorous application of information security policies, principles and practices for continuous delivery of network services.
• Provided security incident triage and response.
• Identified means to reduce and control expenses by conducting cost, schedule and contract performance analysis and improving resource allocation.

Chief IT Engineer at International Systems Engineering
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • December 2010 to October 2014

• Led a team of engineers to successfully complete complex projects within budget and schedule constraints.
• Determined necessary steps to bring systems into compliance.
• Worked closely with vendors and internal sourcing to establish relationships, fostering new opportunities, solutions and cost savings.
• Established procedures for corrective and preventive maintenance.
• Performed root cause analyses to diagnose system failures accurately while minimizing downtime during troubleshooting efforts.

Chief IT Consultant at BAE Systems Saudi Arabia
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • October 2007 to December 2010

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of proposed solutions into client operations.
• Facilitated workshops with client teams to identify challenges, brainstorm ideas, and develop actionable plans for improvement.
• Accurately forecasting needs and monitoring progress against targets.
• Mentored Saudi Nationals, fostering professional growth and skill development within team.
• Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
• Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
• Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.

Chief Systems Architect at BAE Systems Saudi Arabia
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • November 2004 to October 2007

• Migrated entire multiple NT4 domains to one single Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Forest for all sites in Saudi Arabia
• Migrated Exchange 5.5 Email Solution to Exchange Server 2003 - 3000 mailboxes
• Reduced system downtime by ensuring efficient troubleshooting and timely resolution of technical issues.
• Mentored Saudi Nationals, fostering professional growth and skill development within team.
• Designed internal process improvements to automate repetitive tasks, shortening data delivery times.
• Actively participated in code reviews, promoting high standards of quality assurance across development teams.
• Promoted culture of innovation within BAE Systems Saudi Arabia by encouraging experimentation with cutting-edge technologies.
• Established clear lines of communication between stakeholders, ensuring transparency throughout project lifecycles.
• Evaluated emerging technologies to assess their potential impact on BAE IT infrastructure and business goals.
• Created multi-site system architecture plans to reduce redundancy across entire organization.
• Contributed to establishment of robust security framework, safeguarding sensitive data from potential breaches.
• Improved overall system performance by optimizing software architecture and implementing effective design principles.
• Leveraged data analytics tools to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making processes, driving business growth and competitive advantage.
• Enhanced user satisfaction with seamless integration of new technologies and innovative solutions.
• Generated customized architecture specifically optimized for several database technologies.
• Migrated numerous legacy systems to newer technologies, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency of computing tasks.
• Facilitated knowledge sharing sessions among team members, fostering culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Lead System Architect at EDS
  • United Kingdom
  • August 2002 to November 2004

• Simplified complex requirements into actionable tasks, ensuring clear communication among stakeholders.
• Ensured seamless integration of new systems by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.
• Developed robust software solutions for increased productivity and streamlined business processes.
• Established best practices for coding standards, increasing overall code quality across EDS.
• Championed continuous improvement initiatives, driving innovation throughout development process.
• Facilitated smooth transitions during system migrations by developing detailed migration plans and coordinating with all involved parties.
• Provided technical expertise during sales pitches, contributing to increase in new client acquisitions for EDS.
• Resolved critical production issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain customer satisfaction levels.
• Participated in industry conferences to stay updated on emerging trends and incorporate them into future projects.
• Enhanced system performance by optimizing architecture and implementing efficient design patterns.
• Spearheaded adoption of cutting-edge technologies, keeping EDS competitive in market.

Senior System Engineer at Pearson Harper
  • United Kingdom
  • June 2000 to August 2002

• Implemented Active Directory with Windows 2000.
• Implemented Exchange 2000
• Identified software issues and handled troubleshooting to resolve quickly.
• Assisted employees with resolving network problems at remote locations.
• Mentored junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the team.
• Worked with stakeholders to determine implementation and integration of system-oriented projects.
• Delivered helpdesk service and support to end users.

System Engineer at James Cook University Hospital
  • United Kingdom
  • June 1996 to June 2000

• Implemented server strategies, maximizing resource utilization and reducing operational costs.
• Reduced downtime for critical systems through proactive monitoring and maintenance tasks.
• Assisted employees with resolving network problems at remote locations.
• Conducted rigorous testing of new systems prior to deployment, identifying potential issues and mitigating risks accordingly.
• Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
• Evaluated emerging technologies and recommended appropriate solutions to improve existing infrastructure.

System Administrator at MultiServ Hecketts
  • United Kingdom
  • October 1991 to June 1996

• Implemented Novell Netware 2.2
• Implemented Standard Desktop Image for MultiServ
• Implemented numerous databases for enhancing reporting and data quality
• Enabled smooth transitions during hardware and software upgrades, minimizing disruptions to end users.

IT Administrator at NorLite Windows
  • United Kingdom
  • August 1989 to October 1991

• Assisted with implementation of IBM System / 36 system into NorLite.
• 1st and 2nd line IT Support tickets.
• General IT Operations Tasking.
• Resolved critical incidents ensuring minimal business disruption.

Education

High school or equivalent, Information Systems, Computing
  • at University of Teesside
  • January 2003
High school or equivalent, Not Applicable
  • at Beechwood Junior School
  • January 1988

Specialties & Skills

ICT Consulting
Artificial Intelligence
Cyber Security
DevOps and DevSecOps
Active Directory - Exchange
Technology utilization optimization
ISO 27001:2022 - SAMA CSF - NCA - SACS002
Application/database design
IT Management and delivery
System design and implementation
Cloud-based environments

Social Profiles

Languages

English
Native Speaker
Arabic
Intermediate

Memberships

EC-Council
  • Advisory Board Member
  • January 2019

Hobbies

  • Information Technology