Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Core Competencies
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Praveen Kumar Vakkanthula

Toronto,Canada

Summary

Seasoned IT leader with over 15 years of experience in spearheading IT projects, operations, and digital transformation within high-stakes, mission-critical environments. Skilled at managing large-scale IT portfolios, ensuring seamless technology integration, and optimizing operational efficiency to drive business growth and innovation. Possesses deep expertise in leading digital transformation initiatives within dynamic airport ecosystems, focusing on enhancing passenger experiences, operational resilience, and infrastructure modernization. Adept at developing and executing technology strategies aligned with business objectives, ensuring maximum ROI and continuous improvement. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including C-level executives, airport operations, airlines, regulatory bodies, and technology vendors, to deliver state-of-the-art IT solutions. Experienced in implementing cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled smart infrastructure, cybersecurity enhancements, and cloud-based digital services to streamline operations and elevate service delivery. Recognized for driving operational excellence, reducing costs through process automation, and ensuring high availability, security, and compliance of IT systems in highly regulated industries. Strong leadership in IT governance, risk management, and strategic planning, ensuring seamless business continuity and resilience in high-traffic, high-security environments. Committed to leveraging technology as a strategic enabler to drive customer satisfaction, competitive advantage, and long-term business success.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

IT Operations Head & Digital Transformation Lead

Toronto Pearson Airport | Greater Toronto Airports Authority
01.2018 - 06.2024
  • Led IT operations and digital transformation initiatives at a major international airport, overseeing a portfolio of 10+ high-impact projects with an annual budget of $20 million. Successfully aligned IT strategies with business objectives to enhance operational efficiency, security, and passenger experience.
  • Spearheaded the migration of mission-critical airport systems to a hybrid cloud infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration between on-premise and cloud environments. This initiative reduced system downtime by 30%, enhanced scalability, and improved disaster recovery capabilities, enabling uninterrupted airport operations.
  • Implemented AI-powered predictive maintenance systems and cloud-based asset management solutions, optimizing the performance of critical airport infrastructure. This innovation reduced equipment failures by 25%, minimized unplanned disruptions, and resulted in annual operational cost savings of $3.5 million by optimizing resource allocation and maintenance schedules.
  • Directed the deployment of IoT-enabled smart airport solutions, leveraging real-time data analytics to improve passenger flow management. Successfully reduced wait times at key touchpoints by 20%, improving overall traveler satisfaction and operational efficiency across security checkpoints, boarding gates, and baggage claim areas.
  • Established a robust cybersecurity framework in alignment with ISO 27001 standards, strengthening IT security across the airport’s digital ecosystem. Led the implementation of multi-layered security measures, including network segmentation, endpoint protection, and real-time threat monitoring, ensuring compliance with global aviation cybersecurity regulations while mitigating potential cyber threats.
  • Led and mentored a high-performing team of 75+ IT professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Provided strategic direction, upskilled team members in emerging technologies, and implemented agile methodologies to accelerate project delivery and improve service reliability.
  • Streamlined operational workflows to enhance efficiency and minimize delays in airport processes.
  • Led cross-functional teams in implementing safety protocols and compliance measures across airport operations.
  • Developed and executed training programs for staff on best practices and regulatory requirements within the airport environment.
  • Coordinated resource allocation to optimize personnel deployment during peak travel periods at the airport.
  • Analyzed operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and implemented data-driven solutions to enhance service delivery.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and innovation among team members.
  • Collaborated with external stakeholders, including airlines and government agencies, to ensure seamless operational integration.
  • Managed incident response protocols, ensuring swift resolution of issues while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
  • Utilized data-driven insights to inform decision-making processes regarding resource allocation or process improvements within the operations department.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by promoting open communication, teamwork, and employee engagement.
  • Conducted regular performance assessments, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for growth and development among team members.
  • Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and optimizing workflows.
  • Managed daily operations, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products and services to clients.
  • Reduced operational costs through continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving measures.
  • Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing terms without compromising on quality or service levels.

Senior IT Manager – Vendor Management Operations

Toronto Pearson Airport | Greater Toronto Airports Authority
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Oversaw IT operations for a major international airport, ensuring 99.99% system availability across mission-critical infrastructure, including flight information displays, baggage handling, security systems, and passenger processing platforms. Led the seamless integration of emerging technologies, optimizing operational efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted airport services.

IT Service Manager

nPower
01.2013 - 01.2016
  • Led the successful delivery of multiple IT projects for Energy and Utilities clients, ensuring seamless implementation of technology solutions that enhanced operational efficiency and service reliability. Managed end-to-end IT service delivery, aligning technical strategies with business objectives to drive digital transformation and operational excellence.
  • Oversaw IT service delivery by implementing robust ITIL-based service management frameworks, streamlining incident, problem, and change management processes. Ensured adherence to industry best practices, optimizing IT workflows and service desk operations for enhanced user experience.
  • Monitored IT services and ensured compliance with SLAs and KPIs, proactively identifying areas for improvement. Leveraged data-driven insights to enhance system uptime, performance, and service quality, minimizing downtime and disruptions in mission-critical environments.
  • Handled escalations efficiently, implementing structured incident resolution strategies to reduce mean time to resolution (MTTR) and improve service availability. Acted as the primary liaison between IT teams, business stakeholders, and external vendors to ensure timely problem resolution.
  • Conducted regular service reviews with key stakeholders, vendors, and IT teams, analyzing service performance metrics and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. Recommended and implemented enhancements to optimize IT operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and meet regulatory compliance standards.

Database Developer

Credit Suisse Bank of Switzerland
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Managed the implementation of a centralized airport operations database, consolidating disparate data sources into a single, unified platform. This transformation significantly improved data accessibility, operational visibility, and real-time decision-making by 40%, enabling faster response times to disruptions and enhancing overall airport efficiency.
  • Led the successful rollout of a passenger-centric mobile app, offering real-time flight updates, interactive wayfinding, and personalized retail promotions. This initiative enhanced passenger engagement and convenience, resulting in a 15% increase in passenger satisfaction scores and boosting non-aeronautical revenue streams through targeted retail offers.
  • Collaborated with key aviation stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, air traffic control, and regulatory bodies, to streamline operational processes and enhance inter-agency coordination. Leveraged data-driven insights and automation to improve turnaround times, reduce delays, and ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
  • Achieved a 20% reduction in IT operational costs by optimizing vendor contracts, consolidating service providers, and implementing process automation. Negotiated cost-effective SLAs while maintaining high service levels, improving overall cost efficiency without compromising system performance or security.

Technical Support

Barwil Agencies AS | Retail
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Delivered second-level technical support for hardware, software, and network-related issues, ensuring timely resolution.
  • Diagnosed, analyzed, and resolved IT problems reported by end-users, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
  • Provided step-by-step guidance to users for troubleshooting technical issues and system errors.
  • Logged, tracked, and managed incidents and service requests within the IT service management system, ensuring proper documentation and resolution.
  • Prioritized and escalated complex technical issues to senior IT teams for advanced troubleshooting and resolution.
  • Identified recurring technical problems and proposed long-term solutions to enhance system stability.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Electronics and Computers

Aurora College
01.2005

Master of Computer Applications - undefined

BITS Pilani
Pilani, Rajasthan
01.2009

Skills

  • Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
  • IT Service Management: ServiceNow, Jira, Remedy
  • Cybersecurity Tools: SIEM, Firewalls, Endpoint Protection
  • Programming: Python, SQL, PowerShell
  • Data Analytics: Tableau, Power BI
  • Motivational attitude
  • Operational efficiency
  • Scheduling coordination
  • Workforce management
  • Transportation management
  • Distribution management
  • Production planning

Accomplishments

  • Recognized as "IT Leader of customer Service Excellence " at Toronto Pearson Airport in 2020 and 2021 for driving digital transformation and operational excellence.
  • Successfully led the implementation of a $10M smart airport initiative, improving passenger experience and operational efficiency.
  • Reduced IT infrastructure costs by 25% through cloud migration and automation.

Core Competencies

  • IT Operations Management
  • Digital Transformation & Innovation
  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Portfolio & Program Management
  • Cloud & Infrastructure Modernization
  • Cybersecurity & Risk Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership
  • Budgeting & Vendor Management

Languages

Hindi
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

IT Operations Head & Digital Transformation Lead

Toronto Pearson Airport | Greater Toronto Airports Authority
01.2018 - 06.2024

Senior IT Manager – Vendor Management Operations

Toronto Pearson Airport | Greater Toronto Airports Authority
01.2016 - 01.2017

IT Service Manager

nPower
01.2013 - 01.2016

Database Developer

Credit Suisse Bank of Switzerland
01.2011 - 01.2013

Technical Support

Barwil Agencies AS | Retail
01.2009 - 01.2011

Master of Computer Applications - undefined

BITS Pilani

Bachelor of Science - Electronics and Computers

Aurora College

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Praveen Kumar Vakkanthula