Data Center Cloud Architect

Walid Danaf

Bedford, NH 603-***-**** ******@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/waliddanaf/

Director of IT, Chief Cloud Architect & Leader

Innovative and results-driven cloud leader with a robust background in cloud governance, cloud operating models, and enterprise architecture. Expert in designing and implementing Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) frameworks, enabling seamless integration across enterprise applications and systems. Proven track record in leading cloud migration strategies, building cloud platforms, and establishing strong vendor partnerships to drive business success. Demonstrates exceptional capabilities in developing scalable and resilient enterprise systems, ensuring operational efficiency, and enhancing overall business agility.

Skills Summary

Cloud Strategy & Migration Hybrid Cloud Operating Model Cross-functional Collaboration & Vendor Management Enablement & Certification Programs Business Case Development & Negotiation Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) & Integration Agile Project Management SaaS Integration Distributed Systems and Scalable Architecture. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TJX - Marlborough, MA AVP, Platform Architecture 01/2022– 10/2024 Led a team of 10 senior architects to develop a Distributed Cloud strategy (Microsoft, Oracle, and Google) involving edge computing and Data Center consolidation globally.

• Evaluated two Oracle platforms (Public Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Oracle Exadata Private Cloud (EXAC@C)). Successfully implemented EXAC@C as a managed service, streamlining operations and eliminating technical debt. Reduced costs by $5M over 4 years.

• Led the application assessment at Kyndryl's Australian data center. Developed an impactful business case for exiting data center with projected savings of $15M over 5 years.

• Negotiated a seamless exit from Kyndryl’s data center with Microsoft and third-party vendors, migrating all applications to Azure. Achieved a 40% reduction in professional services fees and 6 months of free Azure infrastructure hosting.

• Modernized infrastructure by migrating workloads to an HCI platform, enhancing operational efficiency, improving scalability, and projecting a 30% reduction in data center footprint from 2024 to 2025. TJX - Marlborough, MA Chief Cloud Architect 07/2017 – 01/2022 Led the enterprise efforts to evaluate public cloud providers and establish TJX’s cloud platform.

• Established Microsoft Azure as TJX’s cloud platform for building custom cloud-native applications.

• Deployed several applications on Azure and created an intake process for ensuring strong governance and security measures.

• Spearheaded the creation of a Cloud Business Office (CBO) in collaboration with stakeholders to drive enablement, FinOps practices, and operating model improvements.

• Spearheaded the increase of Azure budget from $3M in 2020 to a projected $50M in 2025, driving the deployment of over 50 production applications.

IBM - Various Locations Client Technical Leader 09/1999 – 06/2017

• Managed the technical strategy for 10 enterprise clients in the Northeast, accelerating production deployments and delivering significant value to clients.

• Incorporated clients’ business and technical requirements into IBM’s roadmap, eliminating the need for costly custom development and support, resulting in substantial cost savings. This approach led to the extension of my professional services engagement three times at one client, highlighting the value and trust that clients placed in my solutions.

• Operational Efficiency Improvement: Significantly improved operational efficiency, leading to a noticeable reduction in infrastructure costs and a considerable enhancement in client satisfaction. This achievement resulted in repeated business for IBM, highlighting the sustained value and trust from clients.

• Automation & Topology Creation: Implemented patterns that expedited the creation of golden topologies using automation, reducing the process time from weeks to hours/days, delivering value to clients faster with lower risk.

• Focal Point of Contact: Acted as the key point of contact between clients and all IBM divisions, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. This role ensured timely resolution of client issues, enhanced client satisfaction, Walid Danaf

Bedford, NH 603-***-**** ******@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/waliddanaf/ Page 2 and strengthened client relationships. Resulted in streamlined processes and increased efficiency across multiple projects.

Additional Titles: Professional Services Consultant / Technical Software Deployment Manager EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science – University of Toronto Diploma in Physics – Lebanese University, Faculty of Science

Contact this candidate