Gangadhar Udatala

Role demonstrating a holistic approach to cybersecurity leadership, encompassing strategic planning, technological expertise, financial management, process improvement, and stakeholder relationship management.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Led the North America region as CDRC Leader, providing strategy and roadmap for clients.
• Guided the delivery team and reviewing RFPs.
• Walked clients through maturity and transformation models.

Technology and Market Expertise:

• Drove clients with products and technologies to key verticals, market trends, and use cases.
• Defined and implemented a Global Shared Security Services framework and methodology.
• Provided Shared Security Services for Critical accounts and performed periodic reviews.
• Improved efficiency, effectiveness in delivery, standardized presentations and reporting.

Cybersecurity Leadership:

• Led LTI's Cybersecurity CoE called 'Cyber Defense.'
• Directed the CoE team to build a strategy to meet current cybersecurity market needs.
• Managed security service delivery for critical accounts.

Financial Management:

• Handled budget planning, approvals, invoicing, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Managed offshore and onsite resources.

Vendor Coordination:

• Coordinated with vendors on the delivery model and led the elite group for Shared Services.
• Collaborated with sales teams to train and enable channel partners and MSSPs.

Technology Knowledge:

• Demonstrated broad knowledge of security technologies, including SIEM, vulnerability management, incident response, endpoint security, and threat intelligence/detection.

Process Improvement:

• Integrated LTI's transition methodology for Managed Security Ops with ticketing management tools and security solutions.
• Utilized SIEM for creating automation workflows and SOAR playbooks.

Accomplishments and KPIs:

• Achieved key performance indicators such as Customer Satisfaction Ratings (CSAT), Attrition Control, and CMMI.
• Engaged with subordinates, mentored functional managers, and scaled the cybersecurity function.

Stakeholder Relationships:

• Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.

Training and Development:

• Collaborated with sales teams to train and enable channel partners and MSSPs.

As a Managed Security Services Leader involves a range of responsibilities, showcasing leadership and strategic capabilities. Key contributions:

Service Delivery Management:

• Standardized reporting, reviews for Critical Accounts, ensuring deliverables meet agreed SLAs and KPIs.
• Provided recommendations on roadmap and budget, aligning with departmental goals.
• Developed and implemented Service Improvement Plans based on performance reviews and feedback.

People Management:

• Managed the career progression of team members, including performance reviews & improvement plans.
• Approved leave requests and participated in the hiring process to build a skilled and effective team.

Strategic Planning and Achievements:

• Achieved departmental goals through development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives.
• Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through process improvements and automation.

Employee Satisfaction and Development:

• Increased employee satisfaction by providing regular coaching and feedback sessions.
• Managed career progression opportunities for team.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products, ensuring deadlines and budgets were met.
• Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.

Cost Optimization and Budget Management:

• Implemented cost-saving measures through effective resource allocation and budget management.
• Boosted company reputation by consistently delivering high-quality products that exceeded customer expectations.

Project Optimization:

• Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workloads among team.
• Ensuring achievements reflect a approach to leadership, encompassing not only operational excellence and strategic planning but also a focus on employee development and stakeholder relationships. This holistic approach contributes to the overall success and growth of the managed security services function.

As a CDRC leader diverse set of responsibilities, demonstrating strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective management across various areas. Key contributions:

Cyber Defense Resiliency Center Leadership:

• Led the Cyber Defense Center & delivery operations.
• Demonstrated plan "Gaps vs Service improvement" continuous identify of gaps & enhancements.
• Implemented standardization, reporting, and reviews for Critical Accounts.

Financial and Operational Excellence:

• Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
• Effective budget Management for optimal resource utilization while maintaining financial stability.

Team Development and High Performance:

• Developed high-performing teams through mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Optimized staff performance with comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.

Client Relationship Management:

• Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt issue resolution.
• Strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

Innovation and Problem Solving:

• Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, increasing productivity & streamlining Ops.
• Mitigated business risks by assessing performance and proactively identifying potential risks.

Vendor Management and Partnerships:

• Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
• Secured key partnerships contributing to the company's overall growth strategy and market reach.

Strategic Planning and Business Growth:

• Implemented business strategies that increased revenue and effectively targeted new markets.
• Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to refine the company's product offerings.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
• Assisted in recruiting and training team members, recruiting and hiring initial personnel.

Communication and Reporting:

• Proactive reporting issues to higher management with detailed solution and mitigation plan.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies.

Recruitment and Training:

• Assisted in recruiting and training team members, recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel for the new organization.
• Accomplished impactful leadership role, emphasizing not only financial and operational excellence but also a commitment to innovation, client satisfaction, and the development of high-performing teams.

As a Columbia Security Ops Center leader demonstrated a comprehensive and strategic approach to enabling growth in the cybersecurity business. Key contributions:

Infrastructure and Operations Setup:

• Coordinated with vendors for the physical design, including state-of-the-art concepts & approved logos.
• Aligned the setup with the leadership vision on cybersecurity.
• Managed the hiring process for various security roles, including Security L1’s/L2’s/L3’s, Technical Leads, Security Ops. Managers, and SOC Head.

Documentation and Best Practices:

• Created standard technical procedure documents in line with industry best practices.
• Conducted advanced training for all SOC technologies, set up demos, and organized recruitment drives.

Client Satisfaction and Relationship Management:

• Enhanced client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues.
• Developed strong relationships with key clients, resulting in increased retention rates and referrals.
• Implemented new processes to improve response times and overall client satisfaction.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Streamlined communication between departments for improved efficiency and service delivery.
• Collaborated closely with sales teams to identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling services.
• Provided detailed reports on client interactions to inform management decisions and strategize improvements.

Team Development and Training:

• Coached team members on best practices for handling challenging situations, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Led training sessions for new hires and assisted in career progression based on skills.
• Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback.

Process Improvements:

• Initiated process improvements across various operational aspects within the department, driving better results through enhanced efficiency.
• Established a strong rapport with both internal and external stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment.

Customized Solutions and Strategic Initiatives:

• Created customized solutions for clients based on their unique requirements, leading to increased trust.
• Assisted in conducting needs assessments to identify key areas of service needs.
• Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.

Record Keeping and Program Management:

• Maintained accurate records of all client interactions, facilitating seamless hand-offs between team members.
• Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies.
• Showcased a multifaceted approach, addressing infrastructure setup, client satisfaction, team development, and strategic initiatives to align well with the organization's focus on cybersecurity growth and excellence in managed security services.

As strong leader, demonstrated strategic management across various aspects of organization. Key contributions:

Team Productivity and Communication:

• Increased team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing effective project management strategies.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Strategic Planning and Business Growth:

• Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth, resulting in increased revenue and market share.
• Leveraged industry expertise to identify new opportunities for growth and expansion into emerging markets.

Financial Management:

• Managed budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives.

Process Improvements:

• Spearheaded process improvements, leading to enhanced efficiency and cost savings across various departments.
• Optimized operational workflows by identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions.

Mentorship and Talent Development:

• Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop leadership skills and advance their careers within the organization.
• Built high-performing teams by recruiting top talent and providing ongoing support through professional development programs.
• Evaluated employee skills regularly, training and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.

Negotiation and Change Management:

• Negotiated contracts with vendors and partners, securing favorable terms that aligned with business requirements.
• Championed change initiatives, successfully navigating teams through periods of transition while maintaining morale and engagement levels.

Customer Satisfaction and Stakeholder Relationships:

• Drove customer satisfaction rates up by refining internal procedures and enhancing external stakeholder communications.
• Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders, improving overall satisfaction and trust in leadership capabilities.

Project Management and Data Analysis:

• Directed high-impact projects from conception to completion, consistently delivering on time and within budget constraints.
• Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making processes, leading to more informed choices for future actions.

Employee Retention and Benefits:

• Enhanced employee retention rates through the introduction of competitive benefits packages and regular performance-based incentives.

Automation and Reporting:

• Streamlined reporting structures by consolidating information sources and automating data collection systems.

Adaptability and Training:

• Maintained team flexibility and embraced change to adapt within dynamic markets.
• Assisted with new hire processing and existing training programs.

Industry Representation:

• Attended industry events to represent the organization and build a professional network.
• Showcase leadership, combining strategic planning, team development, financial management, and a focus on customer satisfaction.

Demonstrated effective leadership and strategic management across various aspects of organization.

Team Productivity and Communication:

• Increased team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing effective project management strategies.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Strategic Planning and Business Growth:

• Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth, resulting in increased revenue and market share.

Financial Management:

• Managed budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives.
• Reduced operational expenses by implementing cost-effective solutions and proactively monitoring budgetary allocation.

Process Improvements:

• Spearheaded process improvements, leading to enhanced efficiency and cost savings across various departments.
• Optimized operational workflows by identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions that led to smoother processes across the organization.

Mentorship and Talent Development:

• Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop leadership skills and advance their careers within the organization.
• Built high-performing teams by recruiting top talent and providing ongoing support through professional development programs.

Stakeholder Relationships:

• Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders, improving overall satisfaction and trust in leadership capabilities.

Project Management and Data Analysis:

• Directed high-impact projects from conception to completion, consistently delivering on time and within budget constraints.
• Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making processes, leading to more informed choices for future actions.

Employee Retention and Benefits:

• Enhanced employee retention rates through the introduction of competitive benefits packages and regular performance-based incentives.

Automation and Reporting:

• Streamlined reporting structures by consolidating information sources and automating data collection systems.

Adaptability and Resource Allocation:

• Overcame challenging deadlines and resource limitations by reallocating personnel and focusing on priority tasks.

Recruitment and Training:

• Assisted with new hire processing and existing training programs.
• Strategic planning, team development, financial management, and a focus on process efficiency and stakeholder relationships.