Shane Carden

During my tenure at Behavox Ltd as the Chief Information Officer, I was tasked with a variety of strategic responsibilities and achieved significant accomplishments. Here is a summary of my experience there in the first person:

• Strategic IT Leadership: As the Chief Information Officer, I was responsible for pioneering and harmonizing IT strategies with the company’s global business objectives. This role required a high degree of visionary thinking and strategic planning to ensure that our IT initiatives were not only advanced but also aligned with the overall business goals.
• Digital Transformation: I spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation, rejuvenating the company’s IT infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies. This transformative process was vital in keeping Behavox at the forefront of technological innovation and ensuring our competitive edge in the market.
• Marketing and CRM Initiatives: I played a key role in leveraging technology to revolutionize our customer engagement and business experiences. This involved catalyzing our marketing and CRM endeavors, using technology as a driving force to enhance our customer relations and outreach.
• Financial Strategy and Management: I took charge of orchestrating the financial strategies related to IT, which included meticulous budgeting, cost optimization, and conducting astute ROI analysis for various IT ventures. Effective financial management was crucial in maximizing the value and impact of our IT investments.
• Business Intelligence Initiatives: Championing initiatives in business intelligence was another significant aspect of my role. I focused on unveiling advanced reporting and data analysis methodologies, providing the company with crucial insights for informed decision-making.
• IT Restructuring and Automation: I played an instrumental role in the restructuring of IT operations. My focus was on cost rationalization and ensuring smooth transitions, integrations, and automation. This part of my job was essential in improving operational efficiency and adapting the company to changing technological landscapes.

My time at Behavox Ltd was characterized by a blend of strategic foresight, innovative technological initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to aligning IT with business strategy, massive cost savings through vendor management, contract negotiation, and consolidation, which significantly contributed to the company's growth and technological advancement.

During my time at Solera Holdings as the Senior IT Director and Manager of Global Software Engineering, I undertook several key responsibilities and achieved numerous milestones. Here's a summary of my experience there, articulated in the first person:

• Leadership and Team Management: I had the privilege of leading the global IT operations and a dedicated team of 60 software engineering professionals. This role required me to exercise strategic oversight and effective management skills, ensuring that our team was cohesive, efficient, and innovative.
• Strategic IT Initiatives: I was responsible for initiating and overseeing major IT projects, focusing on system modernizations and the deployment of new technologies. These initiatives were essential to keep our company's technological infrastructure advanced and competitive.
• Enhancing Operational Efficiency: One of my primary objectives was to boost operational efficiency. Through visionary strategic planning and fostering a culture of empowerment and leadership among my team, we were able to streamline IT operations, enhancing overall productivity and effectiveness.
• Integrating Technology in Marketing: A significant part of my role involved integrating technology into our marketing strategies. I leveraged data analytics to provide strategic business insights, playing a key role in shaping more effective and data-driven marketing strategies.
• Managing Mergers and Acquisitions: I actively participated in the company’s mergers and acquisitions activities. My role in ensuring seamless IT integration during these processes was crucial. I focused on maintaining operational uniformity and consistency, which was vital for the stability and growth of the company during these periods of organizational change.

My tenure at Solera Holdings was marked by a combination of strategic leadership, innovative project management, and a commitment to operational excellence, all of which significantly contributed to the technological and operational growth of the company.

During my tenure at VPayUSA, an Optum Financial Company, in the role of Director of IT Operations and Infrastructure, my experience was diverse and impactful. Here is a first-person summary of my key contributions and achievements at VPay:

• Leadership in IT Operations and Infrastructure: I spearheaded the IT operations and infrastructure teams, focusing on deploying scalable and robust solutions to support and accelerate business growth. My role required not only technical expertise but also strategic leadership to ensure that our IT backbone was both strong and adaptable to the dynamic business environment.
• Strategic Project Management: I led pivotal IT projects which included comprehensive data center migrations and significant infrastructure overhauls. My approach combined technical know-how with a strategic vision, ensuring these projects were executed effectively and aligned with our broader business objectives.
• Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: One of my key focuses was transforming the IT operations landscape to maximize efficiency and minimize operational costs. This involved reengineering processes and systems to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness, demonstrating my ability to balance technical needs with fiscal responsibility.
• Organizational Turnaround and Stabilization: I played a crucial role in leading a departmental and organizational turnaround. This involved stabilizing and revamping operations, which required a deep understanding of both the technical aspects and the human elements of IT management. My leadership during this period was pivotal in reestablishing a strong, efficient, and forward-looking IT department.
• Innovative Overhaul of Operations: My tenure at VPay was marked by an innovative overhaul of IT operations. I focused on implementing cutting-edge solutions and practices, ensuring that the company stayed ahead of technological trends and maintained its competitive edge.

My time at VPayUSA was characterized by strategic leadership, technical proficiency, and a commitment to innovative solutions, significantly contributing to the company's growth and technological advancement.

During my tenure at Heartland Payment Systems, a Global Payments company, as the Manager of IT Operations, my role was both challenging and transformative. Here’s a revised first-person summary of my time at Heartland, including key responsibilities and achievements:

• Professional Growth and Leadership: At Heartland, I advanced from an Infrastructure Engineer to a Director role. This progression allowed me to take charge of the IT infrastructure, crucial for handling high-volume financial transactions, showcasing my ability to lead in high-stakes environments.
• High-Availability Data Center Management: I was responsible for the development and management of data centers with a focus on achieving 99.999% availability. This high level of reliability was critical for our operations, particularly considering the massive volume of transactions processed.
• Operational Excellence and Zero P1 Projects: Under my leadership, we achieved the milestone of a zero P1 (Priority 1) project incident. This accomplishment underscored our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in operational stability and risk management.
• Cost Savings and Efficiency Improvements: I implemented significant cost-saving measures through the elimination of redundant software and effective outsourcing strategies. These initiatives not only reduced expenses but also streamlined operations, contributing to overall organizational efficiency.
• Departmental Stabilization and Transaction Management: A key focus of my role was stabilizing the entire department, especially around the Clearing and Settlement operations. I successfully managed this department, handling 15 million transactions per day, valued at $300,000,000. This achievement demonstrated my capacity to oversee large-scale, high-value transactions with precision and efficiency.
• Strategic Role in Mergers and Acquisitions: My strategic insights were vital during the merger with Global Payment Systems. I played a crucial role in ensuring a seamless transition, particularly in aligning the IT operations with the new organizational structure and objectives.

My time at Heartland Payment Systems was marked by significant achievements in operational stability, cost efficiency, and transaction management, greatly contributing to the company's success in the competitive payments industry.