CIO / Senior Business & Technology Executive
Resume:
Neil Kaufman
(mobile)
***********@*******.***
www.linkedin.com/in/neilsk
aufman/
Execution Specialist / Senior Business & Technology Executive
25+ years of business unit operations & IT experience, transformational
leadership & winning P&L
Career Profile
P&L-focused C-level business and technology leader, global program manager,
strategist and visionary with extensive executive experience and expert
understanding of business and IT management. Experience range from start-
up to large enterprise, on both corporate (Sr. Level COO/CIO/CTO) and
vendor/revenue-side (Major Account Management). Multi-industry background
in property & casualty insurance, as well as financial services, software,
telecommunications, and pharma. Strong background in applications
development, implementation, integration, architecture, and
transformational IT. Agile mindset for solving large problems, breaking
down complexity into achievable goals, and leading initiatives that shrink
the time to business-value realization. Keen understanding of technology,
emerging technology trends, high volume transaction environments, solution
architectures, IT operations, program/project management, IT finance,
managed services, co-location, data center, help desk, call centers,
network, storage, global teams and leading change to increase revenue and
profitability.
. Implemented end-to-end enterprise software solution suites and
infrastructure services. Full life-cycle and agile model application
development, implementation and support for both internal and external
client organizations across numerous global program/project
portfolios. Implementation and integration of in-house and vendor-
based software solutions, various platforms (.NET, J2EE, Mainframe,
LDAP, SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, etc.), data center, help desk,
desktop/VDI, server/storage administration and infrastructure
solutions, as well as SLA compliance/reporting, procurement, audit and
IT financial management.
. Slashed IT expenses by 32% without business disruption, service
reduction or service level impacts. Staff consolidation &
realignment; employed offshore hybrid strategy; automated manual
processes; decreased software defects substantially; infrastructure
virtualization, application stack consolidation, server/storage
consolidation, reduction of network complexity, increased monitoring
and platform standardization. Squeezing more out of IT.
. Achieved 30% annual external client(s) revenue growth year over year.
Focused on optimal mix of delivering quality and actively pursuing
additional revenue opportunities that present themselves in interface
development, data / reporting, integration, data conversions, and the
like.
. Generated $27 million in business process optimization cost savings
and efficiencies for multiple client organizations in software
solutions, operations, infrastructure and other business/technology
support areas.
Core CIO / Delivery areas of expertise include:
< Large scale teams (300+)
V Global Business & IT Strategy
V Application Development / SDLC / QA
V Systems Integration / ETL interfaces
V Web development / cross-platform
V Mobility solutions / App Dev / BYOD
V Global Program Management
V Project Management / Fast Tracking
V Enterprise Architecture / SaaS
V "Big Data" / DW / BI / SQL / Oracle DB
V Infrastructure & Security / VDI / IaaS
V SLA reporting / management
V Cloud / Virtualization / SOA / PaaS
V Real-time business analytics
V Business Process Optimization
V Networks, Storage (Physical/Virtual)
V Account management
V New Business Development
V P&L Leadership / Achievement
V New Ventures / M&A / Carve-outs
V Global resourcing / vendor mgmt
V Risk management & Compliance
V Microsoft/.NET, UNIX/Linux, J2EE Mainframe, Mobility Frameworks
V
Professional Experience
Softcif, Inc. - Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (consultant)
2014 - current
Working with Founder to lead internal operations and dramatically
accelerate growth of this provider of technology solutions to the mid-
market, large enterprise and government sectors. Primary responsibilities
include internal and external organization leadership; Global program
management; Program execution across a broad range of technology stacks,
including flexible cloud frameworks/PaaS; Implementation of investment
banking software solutions; Scaling multi-discipline organizational growth,
creation of a driven, bright, diverse team; Creation and implementation of
strategic five-year success plan; Identification of business development,
and prioritization and execution on opportunities;
MFXchange, Inc. - Morristown, New Jersey
Vice President, Chief Delivery Officer
2007 - 2014
Recruited as Head of IT for U.S. subsidiaries of Fairfax Financial
Holdings, a $10 billion Canadian commercial property & casualty (P&C)
insurer. Responsible for P&L, Client Delivery and Account Management for
$56 million technology services budget spanning multiple Fairfax U.S.
companies and external P&C insurer clients. CDO is outsourced CIO/CTO who
manages accounts, professional services delivery and support for software
applications (SaaS), infrastructure services (IaaS), 3rd party applications
and BPO operational and compliance services - and is also the go-to
technology executive for the client exec team relative to technology
investments & strategy, dealing directly with the CEO, CIO and BU heads.
Systems spanned all platforms (.NET, J2EE, Mainframe, LDAP, SQL Server,
Oracle, DB2, AS/400, VMware, Cloud, other legacy platforms, etc.). Staff
of 200 FTE's.
. Consistently exceeded client revenue targets by an average of 30%
annually. Proved value to business unit heads and counterpart COO/CIO's
by proving value through on-time/on-budget delivery that exceeds customer
expectations. Able to grow accounts through tangible track record and
relationship building, additional revenue in the form of application
customization, enhanced infrastructure services and client CIO advisory
consulting.
. Cut IT cost by 32% without business disruption, service reduction or
service level impacts. Staff consolidation & realignment; offshore
hybrid strategy; process automation; infrastructure virtualization/cloud,
application stack consolidation, server/storage consolidation, reduction
of network complexity, increased monitoring and platform standardization.
Squeezing more out of IT.
. Implemented enterprise software solution services and infrastructure
services for multiple external P&C clients. Full life cycle
implementation and support for Policy admin, Claims, Billing,
Reinsurance, Submission/clearance, book of record, reporting and general
ledger systems, as well as all agency-partner interfaces (MGA/TPA).
Implementation and integration of in-house and vendor-based solutions,
including large-scale ISO policy administration system integrated into
clients' enterprise environments to support their nationwide agent
networks and monthly regulatory releases. Global program management,
full life-cycle application development, infrastructure planning and
implementation, oversight of end-to-end operational processing. Improved
data accuracy and operational efficiency by 4X.
. Implemented multiple historical data conversions to support system
premium growth from $25MM to nearly $1 billion in last 1.5 years.
Improved efficiency and data accuracy through automating the integration
process with agencies, MGAs and TPAs across workers comp, general &
professional liability, commercial auto, package and BOP. Historical
conversions entailed millions of records, and interfaces to 3rd party
data warehouse, general ledger, billing and reinsurance systems
. Established strategic roadmap for clients' enterprise architecture around
their business drivers & objectives. Budgeted for cost/benefit-justified
initiatives, implemented under strict project management discipline and
measured against actual business outcomes. Designed and executed IT
transformations for company mergers, business unit and IT divestitures
(both application & infrastructure services).
Insurance Data Processing, Inc. - Wyncote, Pennsylvania
CIO / Vice President Enterprise Solutions
2006 - 2007
Partnered with CEO and C-level executive team peers of this property &
casualty insurance software company to stabilize, turnaround and reinvent
the business. CIO/CTO - directed software engineering, client delivery,
professional services, quality, Program/Project Management Office (PMO) and
ASP/infrastructure operations.
. Salvaged $37 million investment on IDP's next-generation enterprise
suite. Pulled in "off the track" projects (2+ years late), developed and
implemented Success Roadmap and PMO (Project Management Office). Created
the technology strategy and financial plan to actualize business mission
and goals.
. Exceeded revenue forecast by 36% for existing clients. Transformed
delivery organization into an active, cross-selling consultation arm
focused on enhancing existing services and looking for new opportunities.
Established standalone application sales channel for policy, billing and
claims modules including 3rd party interface services.
. Reduced expense 22% by reorganizing 200+ FTE global delivery team,
creating clear delineations among core product, client customization and
support services. Reduced add-on State support development cost by
nearly 90% through implementation of a robust reference data model.
Result was a cookie-cutter model to simplify additional State
development. Reengineered software build process to a savings of $1.4
million annually.
. Stabilized distressed business operations by implementing 24/7 real-time
site monitoring, redundancy and rapid-recovery procedures, as well as
removing single points of failure, focus on root-cause resolution and
stabilizing underlying technical issues. Scaled software systems
capacity 10X by upgrading enterprise suite to high-transaction industry
processing standards. Implemented "Quality Gate" QA process to reduce
field defects. Reduced field defect find rate by 45%, internal QA
testing speed increased by 20X through test automation.
Geeks On Call - NYC / New Jersey Metro Area
Senior Managing Partner / Multi-Territory Owner 2004 -
2006
Launched NYC/NJ Metro Market franchises for this national on-site computer
service provider. Owned and operated multiple franchise locations offering
a full range of IT repair, consulting and project services to small-medium
size businesses.
. Ranked top franchise in region for gross revenue, average transaction
size and service agreement (long-term) revenue. "Go-To" owner in the
system for best practices in face of stiff competition from major
retailers. Generated 34% ROI and exceeded projected business plan revenue
by 42% in first year.
. Built substantial book of corporate clients generating solid recurring
revenue via multi-year service agreements. Made extensive use of
referral business and local business networking to accelerate revenue
growth.
. Created turnkey operating model, including sales and marketing, training
and day-to-day customer operations. Model transformed field technicians
into "business professionals" with business-building, marketing and up-
selling skills. Sold profitable business in 2006 for a 180% return on
original investment.
The Prosper Group, Inc. - Parsippany, New Jersey
Executive Vice President, COO (BizMetrics, Inc.)
2001 - 2004
Chief Operating Officer for a start-up software division of a $25 million
professional services firm (BizMetrics, Inc.). Providing business process
optimization tools, methodologies and operational analysis consulting
services to Global 500 clients.
. Created OperationsPro and EnterprisePro suites of .NET software tools
that automated proprietary business process optimization methodologies.
Built team to develop suite on minimal development budget. Co-created
the vision with CEO and key subject matter experts; developed and
executed product roadmap.
. Orchestrated customer-funded development model to deploy initial release
to several Global 500 organizations in telecommunications,
pharmaceuticals, health care and financial services. Revenue covered
initial development and substantial releases, as well as real-time
integration with operations, financial and ERP systems.
. Led software and methodology implementations, directed program office and
delivered significant cost savings and process improvements; directed
methodology gaining control over operations and continuous improvement
process. Facilitated millions of dollars in cost savings for Global
CIOs, COOs and Operations Executives:
- $15 million for Fortune 100 telecommunications giant: Identified
inefficiencies in installation/repair centers, established framework
for unit cost analysis and targeted critical improvement areas.
- $8 million for Global 100 pharmaceutical firm: Client took back global
IT services from entrenched 3rd party provider; benchmarked
operations; created optimal performance metrics for continuous
improvement; coordinated phase-in of software into pharma lab
operations in conjunction with ERP implementation.
- $4.5 million for Health Care services provider: Improved processes by
creating roadmap, instituting program of procedural standards and
providing platform for continuous improvement.
Sovereign Bank, 1st Webbank Direct division - Newtown, Pennsylvania
Senior Vice President, CIO / COO 1999 -
2001
Turned around failing IT function for 1st Webbank Direct division.
Promoted to also lead web bank business operations, as well as Sovereign
Bank's internet strategy, technology and operations.
. Turned around previous internet banking platform. Led team of 100;
implemented aggressive 40-day "SWAT effort"; realigned architecture;
outsourced non-core functions. Salvaged $3 million investment and
enabled launch of delayed client implementations.
. Launched $100 million virtual bank in just 6 months. Established
technology and operations infrastructure for affinity bank, including CRM
systems implementation, and significantly expanded customer-acquisition
channels. Achieved 4X of planned profit line.
. Implemented off-shore model into the global program and team strategy.
Cut costs while increasing productivity through round-the-clock
development. Saved 34% on forecasted development costs.
GMAC Commercial Mortgage, Inc. - Horsham, Pennsylvania
Vice President, CIO 1997 -
1999
Hired as CIO for GMAC's Tenant Services start-up business unit. Promoted
to additional divisional CIO role for the lucrative Commercial Mortgage
Servicing division. Established GMAC Technology Solutions external service
provider.
. Built IT organization of 100 from scratch, agile development model.
Completed functional prototype in 90 days, go-live 120 days. Won Best-Of-
Show at Comdex trade show, deployed to over 1 million apartment units
nationwide. Coordinated IPO of Tenant Services division, generating 400%
ROI for GMAC.
. Designed and implemented custom high-end OCR and handwriting recognition
solutions architecture so that it could be utilized beyond Tenant
Services (forms processing) using existing scanning/fax technology.
Saved $12 million in hardware capital costs and an additional $800K
annually in recurring data entry costs.
. Deployed forms processing solution internally to other GMAC business
units, and to external clients. Provided solutions for auto leasing,
mortgage processing, appraisals to external clients through GMAC
Technology Solutions. Generated $2 million ancillary revenue stream net
to bottom line.
. Turned around 12-month backlog of business-critical projects, established
crisis management framework to address issues and "right the course".
Created detailed technology plan, created global program office,
transformed IT organization into a nimble, customer-oriented service
provider. Saved over $10 billion of previously jeopardized mortgage
servicing business.
Telcordia Technologies, Inc. (formerly Bellcore) - Piscataway, New Jersey
Director of Quality Assurance
1990 - 1997
Appointed Director of centralized Quality Assurance for this leader in
commercial telecommunications software. Stepped up to "Change Agent" role
and surpassed all expectations in reversing corporate quality trends.
Achieved Industry recognition. Speaker at quality industry events.
. Directed Quality Assurance program for 57 globally deployed software
products, involving 80 million lines of code, 300 technical staff and $70
million budget. Led corporate initiatives relative to ISO 9000 and CMM
certification. Accomplished 52% reduction in field defects corporate-
wide in just one year, and achieved highest level-5 CMM distinction and
"Industry Best-In-Class" recognition.
. Developed and instituted a "QA Business Model." Instituted corporate-
wide test automation; pushed quality testing up-front in the development
life-cycle; streamlined testing process by allocating resources based on
product life-cycle. Reduced cost of testing by 31%.
. Created external QA Testing services team. Generated $4 million revenue
to the QA center.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE:
. Chase Manhattan Bank, NA - New York, NY. Project Manager / Technical
Lead.
. AT&T - Piscataway, New Jersey. Project Manager / Sr. Software
Engineer
. Wang Laboratories, Inc. - Lowell, Massachusetts. Software Engineer
EDUCATION / TRAINING / ASSOCIATIONS:
V MBA, Technology Management, University of Phoenix
V BS, Computer Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
V Project Management Certification (PMP), Project Management Institute
V ITIL Foundation V3 Certification
V Society of Information Management (SIM), NJ Chapter
V Scotch Plains-Fanwood Baseball League, President
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