Michael Peterson
IT Director | Infrastructure, Operations & Cybersecurity
Rancho Mission Viejo
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven IT leader with over 25 years of experience in enterprise infrastructure, cloud transformation, SAP platforms, cybersecurity, and outsourced service models across multinational organizations. Proven track record in executing large-scale data center exits, cloud migrations, and modern cybersecurity initiatives—including EDR, SIEM, and Zero Trust—while ensuring compliance with SOX and J-SOX standards. Expertise in managing multi-vendor service environments and aligning IT strategies with business objectives to drive impactful outcomes. Committed to delivering complex programs on time and within budget, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Director, IT Operations & Infrastructure
ISUZU NORTH AMERICA CORP
02.2018 - Current
- Lead enterprise IT infrastructure and operations across SAP platforms, cloud, network, cybersecurity, end-user computing, monitoring, and business continuity across 12 locations throughout North America within a fully outsourced, multi-vendor managed services model.
- Own IT infrastructure strategy, roadmap, and budget, managing a $13M annual OpEx and $3M annual CapEx budget while ensuring technology investments align with business priorities and are delivered on time and within budget.
- Directed company-wide data center exit and cloud migrations, transitioning SAP, customer portals, legacy applications, and enterprise email from on-premises infrastructure to cloud platforms.
- Served as technical architect for cloud server, network, security, backup, and disaster recovery architecture, including phased cutover plans and risk-managed service provider transitions.
- Designed and implemented an enterprise cybersecurity strategy incorporating CrowdStrike Falcon EDR, next-generation SIEM, Identity Threat Protection (ITP), Cisco Umbrella, and Duo MFA, with enhanced firewall controls and a roadmap toward Zero Trust architecture.
- Established and governed enterprise backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity programs supporting mission-critical systems.
- Defined, implemented, and managed J-SOX IT General Controls (ITGC) across infrastructure, access management, and change management for Japanese parent company and subsidiaries.
- Championed continuous improvement of IT service delivery, operational processes, system reliability, and security posture.
- Serve as key IT liaison with Japan parent company, coordinating infrastructure strategy, security standards, compliance (including J-SOX), and cross-border system integration initiatives.
Project Manager
VIACOM / PARAMOUNT PICTURES
09.2016 - 11.2017
- Led a multi-phase SAP upgrade program including ERP, SRM, PI, Enterprise Portal, and Solution Manager for Viacom/Paramount Pictures.
- Delivered the eight-month program on time and within budget using internal, external, on-shore, and off-shore teams across multiple vendors.
- Managed core project governance including integrated project plans, status reporting, testing coordination, Go / No-Go criteria, and HyperCare support.
- Served as Technical Cutover Manager for global SAP initiatives including Thomson Reuters Global Next tax engine upgrade and international system conversions.
- Provided technical leadership for hardware migrations, database re-platforming, high availability, and disaster recovery planning.
Technology Lead
ACCELY
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Supported sales and pre-sales activities by delivering SAP technology presentations, solution demos, RFP responses, system sizing, architecture designs, and statements of work.
- Developed value-added methodologies and best practices for SAP S/4HANA, Fiori, Analytics, hybris, and SAP ASE.
- Built and managed a global SAP Basis, AWS hosting, and BusinessObjects support organization for U.S.-based customers.
- Led SAP Partner Center of Expertise (PCoE) certification initiatives enabling VARs to provide SAP license maintenance and support.
Director of Technology Manager of SAP NetWeaver Infrastructure
IDHASOFT
01.2008 - 04.2013
- Served as technical architect and SAP Basis lead for more than 20 end-to-end SAP implementations, overseeing infrastructure design, system installation, testing, go-live, and transition to operations.
- Led SAP upgrade, migration, and system separation initiatives including enhancement packages, OS/DB migrations, Unicode conversions, and HANA migrations.
- Directed business unit spin-offs and SAP landscape separation projects involving data center migrations and vendor coordination.
- Built and managed a 15-person global delivery organization providing SAP Basis managed services and AWS hosting, utilizing a hybrid onshore/offshore model.
- Developed and commercialized SAP managed services offerings and internal delivery methodologies.
SAP NetWeaver Specialist, Manager, SAP Basis, Senior Consultant, Principal Consultant, SAP Infrastructure Specialist
Valeant Pharmaceuticals (Contract), The Walt Disney Company, IBM Global Services, PwC Consulting, Foundation Health Systems
01.1998 - 01.2007
- SAP NetWeaver Specialist – Valeant Pharmaceuticals (Contract) | 2006 – 2007
- Manager, SAP Basis – The Walt Disney Company | 2003 – 2006
- Senior Consultant – IBM Global Services | 2002 – 2003
- Principal Consultant – PwC Consulting | 1998 – 2002
- SAP Infrastructure Specialist – Foundation Health Systems | 1998
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Management Information System
California State University, Chico
Skills
IT Infrastructure & Operations Leadership
Cloud & Data Center Transformation
SAP Platforms (ERP, Basis, PI/PO, Security)
Cybersecurity & Zero Trust Architecture
IT Governance, Risk & Compliance (SOX, J-SOX)
Managed Services & Vendor Management
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
Budget, Roadmap & Portfolio Management
Global & Cross-Functional Leadership
Certification
SAP Basis & NetWeaver | SAP S/4HANA | AWS | CrowdStrike | | ITIL | Enterprise Infrastructure Architecture
Timeline
Director, IT Operations & Infrastructure
ISUZU NORTH AMERICA CORP
02.2018 - Current
Project Manager
VIACOM / PARAMOUNT PICTURES
09.2016 - 11.2017
Technology Lead
ACCELY
09.2015 - 09.2016
Director of Technology Manager of SAP NetWeaver Infrastructure
IDHASOFT
01.2008 - 04.2013
SAP NetWeaver Specialist, Manager, SAP Basis, Senior Consultant, Principal Consultant, SAP Infrastructure Specialist
Valeant Pharmaceuticals (Contract), The Walt Disney Company, IBM Global Services, PwC Consulting, Foundation Health Systems
01.1998 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Management Information System
California State University, Chico