Baheer Gad
Staten Island
Summary
IT leader with extensive experience at Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, specializing in Azure modernization and achieving substantial cost savings. Proven expertise in digital transformation, security compliance, and vendor negotiation. Consistently delivers results that improve operational efficiency and resilience.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Infrastructure, Engineering & Security
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
New York
04.2022 - Current
- Led Azure-first modernization: infrastructure run-rate $215K → $122K; servers ~825 → ~250; maintenance 60-80% ↓; infrastructure cost up to 75% ↓.
- Eliminated $10M in legacy DC losses and delivered $12.5M-$15.5M savings.
- Built global SD-WAN: 94-100% downtime ↓, 3× bandwidth ↑, 50-75% cost ↓; segmentation with Fortinet/Prisma.
- Scaled Modern Workplace: 50+ Teams Rooms (~90% faster starts); Teams Phone (≥ $45K/mo savings); AVD (2× productivity; 35-40% fewer tickets; ~75% EUC ops ↓).
- Elevated security program: achieved ISO 27001/27017; initiated ISO 42001 (AI); integrated MDR; reduced phishing CTR to ≤ 2%.
- Resilience engineering: Cohesity restores 37-67% faster, zero ransomware loss; NetApp retrieval 50-100% faster.
- Implemented LogicMonitor observability, improving incident-response effectiveness ~100%.
- Strengthened legal-tech: iManage Cloud, Work Web, Elite 3E integration, DocuSign rollout, metadata/DMS cleanup.
- Financial governance: modeled 5-year Azure TCO ($7.4M), avoided $8M hardware refresh + $1M/yr maintenance.
Senior Network Operations Manager
Cooley LLP
New York
01.2014 - 04.2022
- Reversed 6+ years of service issues; achieved 95% downtime reduction.
- Virtualized ~2,250 servers/300TB; improved DR from weeks → ~1 hour.
- Led major office builds (Hudson Yards NYC, London).
- Established PMO and KPI-operating cadence.
Infrastructure Services Manager
Sidley Austin LLP
04.2005 - 09.2014
- Consolidated 17 computer rooms → 1 global DC ($3M savings).
- Delivered $5M global telephony modernization.
- Implemented MPLS and Cisco/Tandberg video solutions.
Infrastructure Engineer
HP / Compaq
New Jersey
10.1997 - 04.2005
- Applied ISO 9001 engineering rigor foundational to enterprise-class operations.
Education
M.S. - Computer Science
Stevens Institute of Technology
B.S. - Environmental Engineering
Norwich University
Skills
- IT and cloud strategy (Azure)
- Azure modernization
- Network engineering
- Infrastructural governance
- Security compliance
- Digital transformation
- Service management
- Project management
- Cost reduction strategies
- Team leadership
- Vendor negotiation
- Budget management
- Government relations
- Coaching and mentoring
Websites
Signature Programs And Results
- Cloud/DC Exit: Azure migration, standardized automation, ~75% infra cost ↓.
- Network Modernization: SD-WAN (94-100% downtime ↓; 3× bandwidth).
- Modern Workplace: AVD productivity 2×, Teams Rooms 50+, Teams Phone $45K/mo savings.
- Security: ISO 27001/27017; Zero Trust with ≥ 99% EDR.
- Data Protection: Cohesity (37-67% faster restores, 0 incidents).
Certification
- ISO 27001
- ISO 27017
- ISO 42001 (Initiated)
- SOC2
- PCI
- ITIL
Enterprise Financial Impact
- $10M DC losses identified; avoided $8M hardware refresh + $1M/yr maintenance.
- Target run-rate: Azure $100K/mo, circuits $15K/mo, telephony $7K/mo.
- Recurring savings: telephony ≥ $45K/mo; print 30-80% ↓; e-Fax $25K/yr; serverless offices >$100K/yr.
- Microsoft optimization: scaled Unified Support from $95K → $1.19M tied to Azure consumption.
Governance Iso Alignment Kpi Cadence
- ISMS mapped to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 + 27002:2022.
- Security outcomes: MTTD/MTTR ≤ 24h; Endpoint compliance ≥ 98%; EDR coverage ≥ 99%; Backup success ≥ 99%; Phish CTR ≤ 2%.
- Operational outcomes: WAN downtime 94-100% ↓; Change success ≥ 98%; Audit-artifact coverage 100%.
Role Specific Value Proposition
Converts CAPEX to governed OPEX; funds AI programs with savings; drives board-grade KPI rhythm., Operationalizes Zero Trust, ISO controls, and recovery assurance., Runs Cloud, Network, Workplace, Security, and Ops Excellence as one measurable, repeatable portfolio.
Transformation Roadmap
- Dark Web Monitoring, 01/01/26
- Prisma Browser Security, 02/15/26
- Cyberheaven DLP, 03/01/26
- Azure Site Recovery drills
- Zero Trust maturity progression
- ISO 42001 (AIMS) operationalization
Core Leadership Competencies
- IT & Cloud Strategy (Azure)
- Zero Trust Architecture
- ISO Security Governance (27001/27017/42001)
- Network Architecture & SD-WAN
- M365 & Modern Workplace
- Observability & SRE
- FinOps
- KPI-Driven Operating Rhythms
- Data Protection (Cohesity/NetApp)
- Legal-Tech Modernization (iManage/3E)
Executive Summary
Transformation leader who unifies modernization, security, governance, and innovation into one measurable value chain. Converts complexity into competitive advantage through ISO-aligned controls, cloud modernization, and board-visible KPIs. Recognized for delivering results under pressure and unlocking multimillion-dollar efficiencies., $12.5M-$15.5M in savings and eliminated $10M in legacy losses., Reduced infrastructure run-rate $215K → $122K through Azure migration, DC exit, and telephony/circuit consolidation., Compressed server footprint ~825 → ~250 and reduced maintenance 60-80%., Built global SD-WAN reducing downtime 94-100%, boosting bandwidth 3×, and lowering costs 50-75%., Implemented Modern Workplace at scale (AVD, Teams Rooms, Teams Phone), saving ≥ $45K/mo., Achieved ISO 27001/27017, initiated ISO 42001 (AI), and operationalized Zero Trust with ≥ 99% endpoint protection.
Timeline
Director, Infrastructure, Engineering & Security
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
04.2022 - Current
Senior Network Operations Manager
Cooley LLP
01.2014 - 04.2022
Infrastructure Services Manager
Sidley Austin LLP
04.2005 - 09.2014
Infrastructure Engineer
HP / Compaq
10.1997 - 04.2005
M.S. - Computer Science
Stevens Institute of Technology
B.S. - Environmental Engineering
Norwich University