Vinayak Pandit

Global Network & Security Strategy

• Execute NTT Data’s global strategy for network & security operations, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Engage with clients, executive leadership, and stakeholders to drive network transformation projects.
• Oversee SDWAN, SASE, Zero Trust, and cloud networking initiatives for enterprise customers across US, EU, AMEA, and APAC.

Global Hiring and Workforce Strategy

• Recruit, hire, and oversee leadership positions, including regional managers, senior architects, and global SOC/NOC leads.
• Define succession planning strategies to build future leaders within NTT Data’s network & security operations teams.
• Make critical decisions on performance-based exits, promotions, and team restructuring.

High-Level Vendor & Partner Management

• Lead service reviews with OEM vendors and telecom providers for global network services.
• Ensure vendor agreements align with NTT Data’s cost optimization and service objectives.
• Establish long-term partnerships for network modernization, automation, and AI-driven monitoring.

Financial & Budget Oversight

• Implement cost-saving initiatives through automation, process optimization, and vendor contract negotiations.

Security Governance & Compliance Leadership

• Define and enforce cybersecurity policies, risk assessments, and global compliance initiatives.
• Work closely with NTT Data’s global SOC leadership to enhance threat intelligence and incident response.

Major Incident & Crisis Leadership

• Act as the escalation point for major global outages, security breaches, and critical incidents.
• Engage with executives in NTT Data and clients during high-impact crises to ensure service continuity.

NOC and SOC Operations

• Oversee day-to-day global operations ensuring 24x7 monitoring, incident resolution, and adherence to SLAs/KPIs.
• Act as the primary escalation point for network/security incidents.
• Lead incident, problem, and change management processes, ensuring compliance with NTT Data’s ITIL framework.
• Support global network transformation projects, including SDWAN, SASE, and Zero Trust adoption.

Technical Execution & Team Leadership

• Manage Tier-2 and Tier-3 engineers, ensuring effective troubleshooting and RCA (Root Cause Analysis) completion.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership in firewall management, SDWAN and cloud security operations.
• Lead the response to high-severity incidents impacting NTT Data’s managed clients in the AMEA/EU regions.

Hiring, Performance Management & Resource Optimization

• Hire, train, and manage NOC and SOC teams in India, ensuring skills are aligned with global service needs.
• Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, and skills development programs.
• Optimize shift schedules and resource allocation to support a 24x7 operation.

Vendor & Partner Coordination

• Liaise with OEM vendors for support escalations and technical updates.
• Work with telecom providers to ensure network uptime and connectivity performance.
• Ensure vendor SLAs align with global service expectations.

Major Incident & Crisis Response

• Lead India’s response to high-severity incidents, ensuring global teams are engaged when necessary.
• Conduct post-incident RCA reviews and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain business continuity plans in alignment with NTT Data’s global policies.