Global Recognition Awards™ Technology & Software Engineering Judging Panel 2024 • Global Recognition Awards™

2024

Technology and Software Engineering Judging Panel

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Name	Saba SULTANA
Company	USPTO
Profile	Saba Sultana is a Senior Software Consultant at USPTO with a strong IT background, including roles at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Keste. She holds a Master’s in Computer Science from Northwest Missouri State University. Saba is certified in several technologies, including Oracle Application Development Framework, AWS Solutions Architect, and Salesforce. She values teamwork, strong communication, and problem-solving skills, and has a proven record of successful client deliveries. Her interests span programming, sports, and family life.

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Name	Naga PALAKURTI
Company	Tata Consultancy Services
Profile	Naga P is a highly experienced Solution Architect and Technology Specialist with over 23 years of experience, specializing in risk management, BRMS frameworks, and IBM ODM. His extensive career spans multiple industries including finance, banking, retail, and insurance. Naga has successfully led and executed numerous large-scale IT and business transformation projects, focusing on areas like cloud migration, data analytics, and application performance optimization. He holds advanced certifications in AWS and Machine Learning from Stanford University, underscoring his expertise in both traditional IT and emerging technologies.

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Name	Amit GUPTA
Company	Apple
Profile	Amit Gupta is a seasoned Software Engineering Manager with 24 years of experience across startups and Fortune 100 companies. He founded urbanlens88.com, leading it to financial success, and has developed multiple widely adopted software products. Amit has authored five research papers and has been recognized for disruptive innovation at VMware. Currently, he impacts billions globally through his work at a top company. His unique blend of innovation, industry insight, and global influence distinguishes him in the software development field.

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Name	Anshul Sharma
Company	Amazon
Profile	Anshul Sharma is a seasoned Lead/Senior Software Engineer with 18 years of experience working at Amazon AWS Glue. He specializes in Financial Technologies and Cloud Development, crafting platforms for data scientists and building low-latency services for financial data. Sharma has a strong background in Big Data technologies and is proficient in developing backend and middle-tier applications in Java/Scala, C++, and Python3. He has also led significant projects, like designing low-latency MIFID2 services for Bank of America and developing a Source Code Generator Eclipse Plugin for JP Morgan Chase, significantly reducing development efforts.

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Name	Sri Bhargav Krishna Adusumilli
Company	Mindquest Technology Solutions LLC
Profile	Sri Bhargav Krishna Adusumilli is a leading figure in technology and innovation, specializing in integrating AI and machine learning to revolutionize data analytics and user experiences. He has developed advanced AI applications and intricate data platforms, notably creating Walmart’s end-to-end solution for business narrative generation. As co-founder of Mindquest Technology Solutions LLC, he guides tech innovation and serves as a technology advisor for an NGO, driving social impact. Additionally, Adusumilli is an author and patent holder, contributing significant research and publications in AI, blockchain technology, and cybersecurity.

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Name	Sameer Dongare
Company	U-Haul
Profile	Sameer Dongare is a Data Engineer/Architect specializing in designing and implementing big data solutions for the ‘Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Storage’ industry. He has expertise in Azure Databricks, Spark SQL, PySpark, Spark Scala, Confluent Kafka, and Python. Dongare builds scalable and efficient data pipelines for real-time processing and analytics. He collaborates with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions, ensuring data pipelines are reliable, scalable, and secure. Dongare’s work involves creating batch and real-time data pipelines, implementing machine learning models, and leveraging cloud-based data platforms and the latest data engineering best practices.

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Name	Sai Kumar Arava
Company	Adobe
Profile	Sai Kumar Arava is a Machine Learning Manager at Adobe, known for his expertise in machine learning and AI. He has led high-impact projects, developed advanced models, and integrated Generative AI into Adobe’s products, enhancing their usability. With over 15 years of experience, including roles at PayPal, he has built and deployed solutions for content attribution, churn prediction, and optimization. Arava is also dedicated to mentorship, guiding aspiring AI professionals through platforms like Springboard. His innovative leadership and technical proficiency have significantly advanced AI capabilities, making him a prominent figure in the industry.

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Name	Akash Kilaru
Company	City National Bank
Profile	Akash Kilaru, Vice President at City National Bank in Los Angeles, California, is a seasoned professional with over 11 years of experience in technical project lifecycle management. His expertise in integrating AI into financial services has significantly enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and customer experiences at the bank. Kilaru has been instrumental in advancing cybersecurity measures, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and operational continuity. His strategic insights and proactive approach to emerging threats have positioned him as a leading figure in the fintech sector, demonstrating his exceptional qualifications and innovative leadership in information technology.

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Name	Amit Srivastava
Company	UnitedHealth Group
Profile	Amit Srivastava is a seasoned professional specializing in healthcare technology, architecture, and engineering with significant thought leadership experience. He has been with UnitedHealth Group in Columbia, Maryland, as a technical manager and software architect since July 2020. Srivastava previously held roles at ManTech, Optumserve Technology Services, and Syntel Inc/FedEx. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications from Rajasthan University and certifications, including PMP and SAFe Agilist. Srivastava actively promotes innovation and effective workplace culture.

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Name	Preyaa Atri
Company	LG Electronics
Profile	Preyaa Atri, with over a decade of experience in finance, technology, and retail, is a transformative force in data engineering, AI, and data science. She has authored 18 research papers, 14 Python libraries, and a book, all significantly impacting industry practices. Her pioneering solutions generate annual value and cost savings in the hundreds of millions of dollars globally, creating new revenue streams for organizations. Ms. Atri’s work has garnered widespread acclaim, setting new standards for operational excellence and innovation and reshaping the technological landscape with practical, value-generating solutions.

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Name	Anantharaj Thalaimalai Vanaraj
Company	Samsung Semiconductor
Profile	Dr. Anantharaj Thalaimalaivanaraj, a Functional Verification Lead at Samsung Austin Research and Development Center, specializes in GPU design verification. With a doctorate in Quantum-dot Cellular Automata, he has extensive experience in cache management and flash memory systems verification from his tenure at Western Digital. A Senior Member of IEEE and IETE Fellow, Dr. Thalaimalaivanaraj is dedicated to advancing verification methodologies and functional safety standards. His leadership and expertise significantly contribute to semiconductor technology innovation.

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Name	Kodanda Rami Reddy Manukonda
Company	IBM
Profile	Kodanda Rami Reddy Manukonda is a seasoned expert in telecom applications technology with over 20 years of experience. Serving as a Test Architect at IBM since 2005, he has been pivotal in designing, developing, and deploying end-to-end operations algorithms crucial for Telecom Billing, Service Delivery, Service Assurance, and Telecom Ordering applications. Manukonda’s contributions include authoring over 30 research papers and serving as a judge and reviewer for multiple organizations. His profound understanding of telecom technology and his innovative solutions have significantly advanced the industry, establishing him as an exemplary figure in his field.

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Name	Naga Lalitha Sree Thatavarthi
Company	Gabriella White
Profile	Naga Lalitha Sree Thatavarthi is a Senior Full Stack Developer at Gabriella White, specializing in advanced technology solutions. Her expertise spans front-end and back-end development, utilizing frameworks like React and Angular, alongside .NET and C#. Thatavarthi led the development of UPS’s enhanced Web Shipping Application, achieving a 30 percent increase in processing speed and reducing operational costs by 15 percent. Her work includes integrating AI and IoT technologies, enhancing customer satisfaction by 25 percent. With 17 research articles published on logistics optimization and AI, Thatavarthi’s innovative solutions and thought leadership make her a valuable asset in evaluating technological excellence.

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Name	Shivaprakash Nagaraj
Company	InfoVision
Profile	Shivaprakash Nagaraj, Associate Vice President at InfoVision Inc., specializes in IT product engineering, platform development, and retail innovation. He has led significant projects, including product engineering for Digit7, showcasing his expertise in digital transformation. With experience in pivotal roles at United Airlines and Infosys, Nagaraj has consistently managed complex software development and integration initiatives. His leadership in emerging technologies and cross-functional team management, across onshore and offshore environments, underscores his strategic approach and technical proficiency, making him highly respected in the IT industry.

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Name	Praveen Tripathi
Company	HCLTech
Profile	Praveen Tripathi, Global Technology Head at HCLTech, is an accomplished leader in digital transformation, AI, cloud services, and cybersecurity. With over 20 years of experience, he has led large-scale IT modernization projects for Fortune 500 companies. Tripathi’s innovative integration of advanced technologies, commitment to ethical technology adoption, and focus on mentoring emerging tech leaders have earned him numerous accolades, including a 2024 Gold Stevie® Award and recognition as one of the World’s 10 Most Dynamic Tech Leaders. His expertise and leadership continue to shape the global technology landscape.

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Name	Naga Sathya Lakshman Kumar Kanulla
Company	Bausch + Lomb
Profile	Naga Sathya Lakshman Kumar Kanulla is a Senior SAP S4HANA OTC EDI LEX Functional Consultant with extensive experience in implementing and managing SAP solutions across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and technology. He has held key roles in major companies such as Bausch + Lomb, AmeriGas, and Apple, where he led digital transformations to optimize business processes, enhance supply chain management, and improve customer relationship management. Dr. Kanulla also holds a PhD with a focus on SAP systems and has contributed to the field through academic publications on enterprise resource planning in pharmaceutical distribution.

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Name	Mohammed Saleem Sultan
Company	Parthenon-EY
Profile	Mohammed Saleem Sultan, a technology management leader, has been selected as a judge for the 2024 Global Recognition Awards, recognizing his significant contributions in AI, semiconductors, and business management. His roles in driving strategic initiatives in healthcare and technology, along with his senior membership in IEEE and advisory position with Harvard Business Review, underscore his impact on global technology. With over 10 international research publications and leadership in global teams, Saleem’s expertise in delivering innovative solutions makes him an ideal candidate for evaluating excellence in the industry.

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Name	Devendra Singh Parmar
Company	Discover Financial Services
Profile	Devendra Singh Parmar, an Enterprise Principal Product Owner at Discover Financial Services, is recognized for his leadership in product development, AI-driven banking innovation, and digital transformation. With over 13 years of experience, Parmar has led initiatives in payment systems, fraud detection, and risk management. His career highlights include his work at HSBC, where he implemented credit risk models and improved regulatory compliance. Parmar is also a strong advocate for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, particularly through consultancy roles, and has published several articles on AI’s potential in the financial sector.

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Name	Animesh Kumar
Company	Assurant
Profile	Animesh Kumar is an experienced IT professional with over 22 years in the industry, specializing in enterprise IT and solution architecture. He focuses on designing and implementing highly scalable, fault-tolerant cloud-based systems using platforms like Azure, AWS, and Oracle. Kumar leads multi-million-dollar projects, aligning business goals with cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. He conducts research on emerging technologies, peer-reviews complex software designs, and collaborates with senior management to develop strategic technical directions. His expertise lies in creating secure, reliable, and maintainable IT solutions that drive process improvements and business growth.

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Name	Sagar Mehta
Company	General Motors
Profile	Sagar Mehta is a Senior Software Engineer at General Motors, specializing in software verification and automation engineering. He focuses on developing and testing embedded infotainment systems for vehicles, using technologies such as Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Simulink, MATLAB, Python, and dSPACE. His expertise includes creating automation scripts for performance and stability testing, integrating advanced communication protocols like CAN and LIN, and ensuring the reliability of infotainment features in upcoming vehicle models. Mehta plays a key role in optimizing testing frameworks and developing scalable solutions, contributing to the improvement of vehicle software systems at General Motors.

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Name	Saranya Balaguru
Company	Highmark Health
Profile	Saranya Balaguru, an automation and AI expert with over a decade of experience, has been appointed as a judge for the 2024 Global Recognition Awards. As the Manager of Product and Technology Solutions at Highmark Health, she oversees projects that leverage AI and RPA to improve business processes in healthcare. Balaguru’s expertise in automation, data architecture, and process mining has driven efficiency and innovation in various organizations, making her well-suited to evaluate cutting-edge technologies for the awards.

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Name	Ratnangi Nirek
Company	Microsoft
Profile	Ratnangi Nirek has been appointed as a judge, highlighting her extensive expertise and significant contributions to the technology sector. With 5-10 years of experience in IT, she excels in developing and implementing advanced technology solutions, enhancing digital infrastructure, and optimizing cloud-based systems. Nirek is renowned for guiding businesses through digital transformations and creating scalable IT solutions that boost operational capabilities. Her commitment to excellence is evident through her leadership in high-impact projects, mentoring, and fostering a culture of innovation. Her strategic problem-solving and focus on sustainable technology practices establish her as a respected thought leader in the IT community.

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Name	Sekhar Chittala
Company	Salesforce
Profile	Sekhar Chittala is a Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Salesforce, specializing in optimizing developer workflows and enhancing operational efficiency. With over a decade of experience, Chittala has played a pivotal role in implementing the Falcon Easy Developer Experience (FEDX) initiative, which streamlines processes for more than 7,000 developers. His work focuses on reducing manual migration times and improving deployment reliability. Chittala is also known for his efforts in core release process optimization, contributing to faster and safer software rollouts across the enterprise, which drives overall productivity and performance in the tech industry.

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Name	Dinesh Besiahgari
Company	Amazon Web Services
Profile	Dinesh Besiahgari is a technology leader specializing in cloud computing, AI, and frontend engineering. As a Frontend Engineer at AWS, he leads the development of large-scale applications for AWS websites and AWS TV, delivering solutions used by millions globally. He holds deep expertise in building scalable, secure architectures and has contributed to research in AI, blockchain, and medical imaging, with several publications and patents to his name. A certified AWS Solutions Architect, he has successfully managed cloud migrations and optimized IT infrastructures. Besiahgari’s thought leadership spans IoT, 5G, cybersecurity, and healthcare, making him highly qualified to assess innovation and excellence.

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Name	Alpesh Patel
Company	Healthcare
Profile	Alpesh Patel, a distinguished senior Salesforce developer, combines deep technical expertise with practical implementation experience across education and healthcare sectors. In the healthcare industry, he creates secure, integrated enterprise solutions serving thousands of users. His work in the education sector demonstrated his ability to transform complex requirements into user-friendly systems. With seven years of specialized experience, Patel excels in Lightning Design System architecture, mobile application development, and enterprise-scale implementations. His expertise in healthcare compliance, security protocols, and educational technology positions him to evaluate technical innovation effectively.

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Name	Avinash Swaminathan Vaidyanathan
Company	Dollar General
Profile	Avinash Swaminathan Vaidyanathan is a Senior Manager of SRE, Quality & Performance Engineering at Dollar General who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in technology transformation. With 15 years of experience, he has spearheaded open-source initiatives and implemented robust CI/CD pipelines. His expertise spans cloud computing, project management, and performance engineering. A certified project manager from Louisiana State University, he has driven significant improvements in cloud-based application testing and quality assurance across major organizations like Macy’s and Cognizant, consistently setting new standards in technology implementation and system reliability.

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Name	Sudheer Amgothu
Company	Pegasystems
Profile	Sudheer Amgothu, Principal SRE/DevOps/Cloud at Pegasystems, is a transformative technology leader who has revolutionized cloud infrastructure and deployment processes. His innovations have led to a remarkable 98 percent reduction in build/deploy time while maintaining stringent security standards and reducing AWS infrastructure costs. With comprehensive expertise in containerization, continuous integration, and cloud-based technologies, he excels at standardizing processes across teams and implementing cutting-edge solutions. His peers recognize him for his exceptional ability to simplify complex technical challenges and guide teams toward successful outcomes.

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Name	Serge Gusev
Company	ApproveIt
Profile	Serge Gusev is the CEO of ApproveIt, where he leads business process automation initiatives that transform enterprise workflows. His expertise spans technology implementation and strategic management, demonstrated through successful ventures, including Techstars ’23 participation. With experience at EY and Reckitt and a London School of Economics degree, Gusev brings valuable insights in evaluating business innovation. His track record in scaling technology companies and implementing enterprise solutions showcases his ability to assess operational excellence and technological advancement across industries.

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Name	Anurag Saxena
Company	Red Hat
Profile	Anurag Saxena, the lead principal engineer at Red Hat, is a distinguished technology innovator with over 15 years of expertise in cloud-native solutions and network security. His pioneering work in OpenShift/Kubernetes orchestration and software-defined networking has shaped enterprise infrastructure development. With a pending patent in mesh Wi-Fi networking topology, Saxena demonstrates exceptional ability in evaluating technical innovations. His comprehensive experience spans key industry roles at F5 Networks and Cisco Systems, where he developed critical security solutions and advanced 4G technologies. As an ethical hacker and open-source advocate, he brings unique insight into emerging technological trends and practical implementations.

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Name	Ruchir Nath
Company	Dell Technologies
Profile	Ruchir Nath, Director of Product Marketing at Dell Technologies, brings extensive expertise in enterprise technology leadership and digital transformation. His career spans strategic roles at Dell and AMD, where he pioneered AI-driven sales processes and data analytics implementation. Nath excels in evaluating technological innovation through his work developing server and GPU portfolios, leading global sales transformations, and implementing enterprise-wide data solutions. His proven track record includes streamlining operations, developing comprehensive analytics frameworks, and driving multimillion-dollar efficiency improvements. His unique blend of technical knowledge and business acumen enables him to assess technological excellence across diverse platforms and implementations.

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Name	Sukhdevsinh Dhummad
Company	Publishers Clearing House
Profile	Sukhdevsinh Dhummad, a senior systems architect at Publishers Clearing House, has engineered complex data solutions for 18 years. He manages terabyte-scale operations, having optimized over 10,000 database objects and developed fraud detection systems handling billions of data rows. His expertise spans SQL, Python, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms. Currently pursuing Azure Databricks certification and postgraduate studies in AI and Machine Learning, Dhummad bridges traditional database management with emerging technologies. His practical experience includes leading successful implementations of enterprise scale data solutions across multiple Fortune 500 companies.

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Name	Rohit Singhal
Company	Rudra Technologies Inc.
Profile	Rohit Singhal, a supply chain management expert, leverages 15 years of pharmaceutical manufacturing experience to evaluate industry innovations. Based in Houston, he specializes in optimizing procurement strategies and implementing SAP solutions across global operations. His work at Rudra Technologies, Deloitte Consulting, and Infosys demonstrates deep technical knowledge in supply chain design, particularly in life sciences. His practical experience implementing solutions across U.S. and European markets enables him to assess complex technical initiatives and their measurable impact on operational efficiency.

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Name	Giridhar Kankanala
Company	SAP
Profile	Giridhar Kankanala is a seasoned SAP technology leader with 17 years of enterprise systems expertise. As SAP Senior Technical Service Manager at SAP ECS, he designs and implements complex cloud solutions for Fortune 100 companies across Azure, AWS, and GCP platforms. His specialties include S/4HANA implementations, Smart Data Integration, and database optimization. At Dell EMC and Fujitsu Americas, he established new standards for system reliability and scalability. His combination of technical depth and strategic insight helps organizations navigate complex digital transformations while maintaining optimal system performance and security.

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Name	Sanjay Bauskar
Company	Pharmavite
Profile	Sanjay Bauskar is a pioneering database architect with 23 years of expertise in enterprise-level IT infrastructure. His innovations in database optimization and cloud migration strategies have transformed operations at Fortune 500 companies, including Pharmavite and Walgreens. Managing systems exceeding 7 terabytes, he has demonstrated exceptional skill in Oracle, AWS, and Azure platforms. His 15 research papers and two books contribute valuable insights to database management practices. His work spans four continents, implementing solutions that significantly improve system performance and reliability. His Caltech DevOps certification reflects his commitment to staying current with emerging technologies.

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Name	Anish Menon
Company	Netflix
Profile	Anish Menon is a security architect who designs secure, user-centric systems across consumer technology and telecommunications. Currently serving as the Lead Security Engineering Architect at Netflix, he develops advanced security protocols that safeguard user data without compromising user experience. Menon leverages artificial intelligence and sophisticated tools to enhance engineering productivity and enable rapid, reliable deployments. His career includes significant contributions at Apple and Qualcomm, where he engineered embedded security solutions for mobile devices and consumer products, combining robust security with intuitive design. His expertise spans content protection, cryptography, and embedded systems debugging, influencing industry standards.

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Name	Heena Dhawan
Company	Tinder
Profile	Heena Dhawan is an accomplished software engineer with over 20 years of experience in the IT sector. She has led the development of innovative software solutions, blending technical expertise with business strategy. Heena specializes in creating scalable, user-centered technology, employing agile methodologies to ensure high-quality, adaptable projects. A strong advocate for diversity in the tech industry, she mentors young engineers and promotes inclusive work environments. Heena’s leadership and focus on nurturing the next generation of talent reflect her deep commitment to advancing both technology and the opportunities available to diverse individuals within the sector.

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Name	Arfi Siddik Mollashaik
Company	Securiti
Profile	Arfi Siddik MollaShaik is a distinguished expert in data security and privacy with over 14 years of specialized experience. His innovative work in sensitive data discovery, classification, and protection has established new benchmarks in privacy compliance frameworks. As a Solution Architect at leading tech companies, he has pioneered sophisticated data security solutions and automated assessment frameworks that have transformed how organizations protect their data. His deep technical expertise spans multiple platforms and databases, while his thought leadership in implementing GDPR and CCPA regulations has influenced industry-wide practices in data protection and governance.

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