Waqas Abbasi
Vice President Global Applications
Barrington, Illinois, United States,IL
Summary
Results-driven technology executive with a proven track record of driving innovation, digital transformation, and business growth through cutting-edge technology solutions. Adept at building and leading high-performing teams, aligning IT strategy with corporate vision, and leveraging emerging technologies to create competitive advantages. Expertise in enterprise architecture, cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI/ML, and IT governance. Passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence at scale.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Global Applications
PSA BDP
Barrington, Illinois, United States
06.2024 - Current
- Spearhead global IT strategy, ensuring seamless integration and optimization of enterprise-wide applications.
- Drive digital transformation initiatives, modernizing legacy systems and enhancing operational agility.
- Implement cloud-first strategies and AI-driven automation to streamline business processes and improve efficiency.
- Oversee cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards to mitigate risk and protect enterprise assets.
- Partner with C-suite executives to align technology roadmaps with long-term business objectives.
Sr. Director, Global Integration
PSA BDP
Barrington, Illinois, United States
05.2020 - 05.2024
- Led global IT integration strategy, harmonizing disparate systems to enable seamless data flow and interoperability.
- Designed and deployed enterprise-wide automation, reducing costs and enhancing scalability.
- Established governance frameworks to ensure compliance, security, and business continuity.
Director, Technology Services
IBM
Greater Philadelphia Area
02.2017 - 03.2020
- Managed enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, driving system modernization and innovation.
- Led global teams in deploying cloud-based architectures, DevOps automation, and AI-driven analytics.
- Architected IT governance frameworks to enhance system reliability, security, and operational resilience.
Sr. Manager, Technology Development
Bumble Bee Foods
San Diego, CA
02.2016 - 02.2017
- Directed enterprise technology strategy, modernizing IT infrastructure and driving digital innovation.
- Developed AI-powered analytics tools to optimize decision-making and improve operational efficiency.
- Led security enhancements, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Enterprise Applications Manager
Jarden Safety & Security
Aurora, IL
11.2015 - 02.2016
- Managed enterprise applications and technology development teams to support business transformation initiatives.
- Led cloud migration projects and implemented API-driven architectures to improve business agility.
Senior Technology Consultant
Caterpillar Inc.
08.2013 - 10.2015
- Designed and executed global technology migration projects, optimizing efficiency and reducing downtime.
- Spearheaded automation initiatives to enhance system performance and data processing capabilities.
- Developed security and compliance frameworks to ensure robust data protection.
B2B Integration Manager
Hub Group
Auora , IL
09.2012 - 08.2013
- Led enterprise system modernization efforts, focusing on cloud computing and scalable architectures.
Previous Experience (2007-2013)
- Held various technology leadership roles across multiple organizations, specializing in enterprise IT strategy, software development, and infrastructure modernization.
- Led major technology transformation initiatives, including large-scale system migrations, cloud integrations, and process automation.
- Managed cross-functional teams in developing and deploying technology solutions that improved business performance and operational efficiency.
Education
MBA -
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 05.2001 -
BBA -
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL, United States 05.2001 -
Skills
- Digital Transformation & IT Strategy
- Cloud Computing & Enterprise Architecture
- Cybersecurity, Compliance & Risk Management
- AI/ML & Data-Driven Decision Making
- IT Governance & Regulatory Compliance
- DevOps, Agile, and CI/CD Methodologies
- Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning
- IT Budgeting & Cost Optimization
- Leadership & Executive Stakeholder Engagement
Accomplishments
Key Achievements
- Led a $50M global IT transformation initiative, improving business agility and operational efficiency.
- Implemented AI-driven automation, reducing operational costs by 40% and improving system performance.
- Designed and executed scalable enterprise architectures, ensuring long-term resilience and security.
- Developed and enforced cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, safeguarding enterprise assets.
- Successfully integrated multiple legacy systems into a unified, cloud-based platform, enhancing scalability and interoperability.
- Spearheaded the adoption of AI/ML for predictive analytics, driving data-driven decision-making across the organization.
- Built and led high-performing global technology teams, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Timeline
Vice President, Global Applications
PSA BDP
06.2024 - Current
Sr. Director, Global Integration
PSA BDP
05.2020 - 05.2024
Director, Technology Services
IBM
02.2017 - 03.2020
Sr. Manager, Technology Development
Bumble Bee Foods
02.2016 - 02.2017
Enterprise Applications Manager
Jarden Safety & Security
11.2015 - 02.2016
Senior Technology Consultant
Caterpillar Inc.
08.2013 - 10.2015
B2B Integration Manager
Hub Group
09.2012 - 08.2013
MBA -
Colorado State University
05.2001 -
BBA -
University of Illinois
05.2001 -
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