City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
I am a seasoned technology leader with over 8 years of experience in information systems and media, currently serving as the Vice President of Technology EMEA at SmartGeeks Support Systems and Media Solutions and as the Head of Information Technology at Brightfire Pictures. I hold a professional certificate in contemporary business information systems and a CAD certification in network design and audit. My core competencies include IT solutions, technical support, IT service management, cloud computing, big data, production design and deployment, workflow optimization, office IT, systems analysis, network audits, solution design and rollout, product development, and solution delivery. I have a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions that transform the technological landscape and enhance business performance. As the EMEA VP of Technology, I helm an exceptional team of engineers across multiple regions, guiding them in executing strategic plans, championing emerging technologies, and overseeing complex projects. As the Head of IT, I lead a dynamic team of specialists, ensuring seamless operations within the post-production department of Brightfire Pictures, both in Johannesburg and West Africa. I excel at driving positive change, restructuring business processes, and implementing effective solutions within budgets and timelines. I adhere to project management guidelines and best practices, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. I foster collaborative environments, inspiring teams to achieve their best. I seek innovative solutions and plan for the future, motivated by my passion for technology and media.
I helm an exceptional team of engineers across the Middle East, Southern and Western Africa, parts of Europe, and the Americas, adeptly navigating the landscape of information technology, big data, and media. Our commitment is to drive innovation and provide cutting-edge solutions to transform the technological terrain. Key responsibilities include: - Strategic Leadership: Guiding the team in establishing and executing strategic plans to support both short-term and long-term organizational goals. - Technology Advocacy: Championing the adoption of emerging technologies and the integration of innovative strategies into business practices. - Project Management: Overseeing a diverse range of projects from inception to completion, ensuring that all technical deliverables are of the highest quality. - Team Development: Mentoring and developing team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. - Client Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring their satisfaction. - Collaboration: Partnering with key stakeholders to align technology initiatives with business objectives, leveraging expertise across departments for cross-functional projects. - Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks related to data security and privacy. - Operational Efficiency: Streamlining operations, employing best practices for effective data management and system optimization.
As the Chief Technical Engineer from March 2016 to February 2022, I played a pivotal role in advancing technological innovation across enterprise and media sectors. My foremost responsibility entailed designing, planning, and implementing fiber-backed network backbones for enterprise clients. The objective was to boost network performance and reliability, promoting efficient communication. Understanding clients' specific business structures, current network capabilities, and future aspirations were key to successful implementation. In addition, I was tasked with crafting bespoke network environments for media houses and post-production facilities. By closely collaborating with their teams, we developed tailored network solutions that enhanced operational efficiency and accommodated future growth. Furthermore, I spearheaded the deployment of network solutions in accordance with design specifications. I meticulously managed resources, timelines, and quality control, ensuring flawless rollouts that met client expectations. Addressing challenges is intrinsic to network engineering. I utilized my expertise in diagnosing and remedying network issues, overseeing new and existing cabling structures, and installing certified wireless solutions for homes, schools, and offices. Finally, I specialized in designing and installing advanced storage facilities for TV and media production houses, managing vast data effectively and streamlining their production processes. This wide-ranging role underscored my technical prowess and strategic thinking, reinforcing my reputation as a driving force in network engineering.
As the Senior Network Engineer in Johannesburg from March 2015 to March 2016, I was instrumental in leading and shaping the network infrastructure of the organization. A crucial part of my role involved determining company needs, and in tandem with the IT team, developing and maintaining a robust network infrastructure. I ensured secure, reliable server connectivity and constantly monitored protocols for optimal performance. I led initiatives in creating internet domains, optimizing intranet performance, and testing data exchanges across various devices and servers. My expertise also extended to configuring end-user networking accessories and conducting regular updates. Server capacity and performance monitoring were integral to my role. I ran diagnostics, carried out necessary repairs, and devised backup, archiving, and data retrieval procedures to guarantee seamless operations. In addition to my technical responsibilities, I took the lead in training junior IT staff, preparing comprehensive user manuals, and providing technical support remotely or onsite as needed. Network security enhancement and meticulous documentation of network processes and cabling layouts were essential aspects of my role. Staying abreast of the latest advancements in network technologies and infrastructure further underpinned my ability to deliver high-quality network solutions.
In this pivotal role, I lead a dynamic team of talented young specialists, tasked with ensuring seamless operations within the Post Production Department (Post Office) of our organization. Our goal is to minimize downtime and ensure optimal functioning at all times. Our responsibilities extend across a broad range: We handle network installations and cater to end-user needs. We are accountable for the entire post-production build, from inception to the final mix, with a special focus on system-related matters. Some of the key responsibilities I undertake include: - Designing and deploying network infrastructure. - Designing and deploying security infrastructure across the company, including both stationary and mobile units. - Managing post-production design and installation, as well as day-to-day operations. - Designing, evaluating, and implementing post-production workflow/SOPs. - Analyzing the obligations and deliverables of the Post Production Department (Post Office). - Overseeing data management, security, and protection, both onshore and offshore. In this role, I draw upon my technical skills, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of post-production processes to ensure our team consistently delivers high-quality results.
As the Line Manager for the Networking Department at Dial a Nerd from September 2014 to March 2016, my tenure was marked by dedicated service and problem-solving expertise. I was responsible for assessing and diagnosing network problems or needs for both existing and prospective clients. My job encompassed a range of environments including homes, schools, and offices. This broad clientele presented unique challenges and opportunities for customized solutions. My role further entailed designing suitable solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client. This included constructing the network infrastructure from scratch or revamping existing setups, always with the aim of enhancing functionality and efficiency. Overseeing the deployment and execution of network solutions according to design specifications was a key part of my responsibilities. This process required meticulous attention to detail and adherence to rigorous quality standards. In addition, I was instrumental in diagnosing and repairing troubled or broken network backbones. My skills were not limited to cabling new and existing structures but also extended to the installation of certified wireless solutions for varied settings. I managed several noteworthy projects from inception to completion, including the wireless solution for St Barnaba’s School in Boksburg, the network overhaul and wireless boost for Avianto Lifestyle Village, providing solutions for individual homeowners at Waterfall Country Village, and the network refurbishment and wireless solution for Bryaneven Primary School in Bryanston. Each of these projects demonstrated my ability to deliver comprehensive and efficient network solutions.
From February to September 2014, as a Business Technician in the Johannesburg area, I was pivotal in delivering tech solutions that catered to the unique needs of each client. My role primarily involved assessing the IT problems of customers, providing swift, efficient solutions that ranged from hardware fixes to software troubleshooting. Depending on the situation's urgency and specifics, I performed these services onsite, offsite, remotely, or even telephonically. In addition to reactive solutions, I focused on prevention, setting up measures such as antivirus, anti-spam, and backup systems to minimize potential future problems. One of my key responsibilities was to advise clients about potential problems and how to prevent them. This involved clear communication and the ability to explain complex technical information in a way that was easy for non-experts to understand. I was also in charge of spotting sales or quoting opportunities and relaying them back to the office. This required an astute understanding of our services and a keen eye for opportunities. As a part of my duties, I provided training to customers as required, ensuring they felt comfortable and competent in handling their tech resources. Moreover, I performed internal IT requests for my branch, managed phone lines, and ensured the smooth functioning of our internal systems, demonstrating my versatility and commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
At Vodafone Ghana, from October 2012 to February 2013, I played a crucial role in managing the Global Desktop Domain Migration project, operating from our Accra office. The project involved meticulous preparation and execution, transitioning from the GTDOMAIN to VFROOT for Vodafone GH and its branches nationwide. Working in close coordination with our security headquarters in Germany, my team and I ensured that all systems were securely backed up before initiating the migration process. This essential step guaranteed no loss of vital data, minimizing potential operational disruptions. Once data backup was assured, we proceeded with the system upgrades, a vital part of the migration project. Our goal was to enhance the system capabilities and ensure seamless integration with the new domain. Following the successful upgrade and migration, we restored all systems to optimal working conditions. This process involved rigorous testing and problem-solving to ensure all systems functioned as intended in the new domain. During this entire period, our team was vigilant about potential security and firewall threats. We worked tirelessly to mitigate any risks, safeguarding our systems from vulnerabilities and ensuring the migration's security and success.
From September 2011 to September 2012, as a Network Engineer and Designer based in Accra North, Ghana, I was part of the team that spearheaded several integral projects, enhancing the network infrastructure nationwide. A significant part of our responsibilities included the deployment of 150 Multi-System Access Nodes (MSANs) as part of a nationwide 3G project. This ambitious task was spread over an extended period, involving precise coordination and rigorous testing to ensure optimal network performance. Converting network drawings from hard copies into a more manageable digital format was another crucial task. We used AutoCAD to create precise 2D versions, significantly improving accessibility and ease of updates. In addition to these tasks, I collaborated closely with the fiber optics team in the field across Ghana. This hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of real-world network conditions and the challenges encountered during deployment. As part of my role, I also designed backup power drawings, essential for maintaining network resilience and uptime. This planning ensured our network's reliability, even in situations of primary power failure. During this period, I handled security and firewall threats, maintaining the integrity of our systems and data. I ensured the secure implementation of all projects, taking a proactive stance to identify and mitigate potential risks. The projects I worked on included a 150 MSAN turnkey rollout, MSAN power revamp, network drawings conversion from hard copy to AutoCAD, fiber optics survey and PATs for clients, and GPS coordinates check before and after completion of work. Each project honed my skills and deepened my understanding of network infrastructure and design.
I worked as an I.T. Support Technician for Atmospace, a private contractor, from August 2009 to August 2011. Located in Accra North / Airport City, Accra, Ghana, I was responsible for providing comprehensive hardware and software support to the staff and visiting partners. My main duties revolved around offering basic infrastructure support. This encompassed assisting with various hardware and software issues encountered by the employees and visitors. I was adept at troubleshooting problems and providing prompt solutions to ensure minimal disruption to their work. One of my key areas of expertise was in cloud computing support. I managed the cloud computing infrastructure for the main work floor, the Help Desk office, as well as the offsite and on-road staff and technicians. This involved monitoring and maintaining the cloud environment, resolving any technical issues, and ensuring smooth operations for all users. Additionally, I played a vital role in safeguarding the system from threats by conducting regular virus and malware checks. I implemented necessary upgrades and performed data recovery when needed. Furthermore, I was responsible for software installations and deployments, ensuring that all necessary applications were installed and configured correctly. Throughout my tenure, I consistently demonstrated a high level of technical proficiency and customer service. I prioritized the needs of the organization and its employees, effectively managing IT-related challenges and maintaining a reliable support system. Overall, as an I.T. Support Technician for Atmospace, I provided comprehensive hardware and software support, including cloud computing assistance, virus and malware protection, data recovery, and software installations.