RENUKA NADKARNI
Saratoga,CA
Summary
Visionary technology executive with 25+ years of expertise in cloud infrastructure, AI/ML platforms, cybersecurity, and product innovation. Proven track record of driving business transformation, cloud-native product strategy, and global infrastructure at enterprise scale. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market execution. Deep technical expertise in AI-driven cloud services, SaaS/PaaS/IaaS models, and security orchestration. Advisor to AI and cybersecurity startups and a frequent speaker at industry events including NVIDIA GTC.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Product Officer
Aryaka Networks
02.2022 - Current
- Led global cloud infrastructure and AI-driven security transformation, managing a team of 200+ across Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Cloud Operations
- Spearheaded Unified SASE as a Service, driving double-digit growth in a $100M ARR business
- Designed and implemented cloud-native networking and security architectures, integrating AI/ML for observability and automation
- Established multi-cloud strategy with CSP partners, optimizing infrastructure across Azure, AWS, and telecom providers
- Automated global POP footprint for 99.999% reliability across 104 countries, leveraging AI for network performance and security analytics
- Defined customer-centric product strategy, enhancing SaaS-like provisioning and self-service capabilities, reducing time-to-market by 40%
- Streamlined product development process by implementing agile methodologies, resulting in faster time-to-market and increased product quality.
VP & CTO, Security | Head of Global Business Operations
F5 Networks
12.2015 - 02.2022
- Managed $2.5B annual revenue portfolio, leading business strategy, AI/ML-driven cloud security innovation, and GTM execution
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Established Threat Research Center of Excellence and AI-powered security analytics platform (TRISAP), unlocking $10M+ in incremental subscription revenue
- Led cloud service integration with AWS, Azure, and Kubernetes-based security orchestration, expanding F5’s SaaS/PaaS offerings
- Spearheaded the acquisition and integration of Shape Security, accelerating F5’s cloud-native and AI-driven security capabilities
- Orchestrated F5’s shift from hardware appliances to a software-first, subscription-based model, driving significant revenue growth
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization with InnovateF5 program.
Head of Products
NetCitadel
04.2012 - 03.2013
- Led from concept to launch the Startup focused in the area of Software-defined Security was recognized as ‘Cool vendor’ by Gartner. The concept was inspired by multiple conversations with VMware customers trying to solve the hybrid -physical, virtual and cloud security solution’s management.
- Pivoted the company around broader software defined/ cloud security vs. multi-vendor firewall policy management.
Senior Product Manager
VMware
05.2010 - 04.2012
- Led VMware’s foray into network security as part of the VCNS team. Launched ‘micro segmentation’ at VMWorld as part of the vShield product line prior to Nicira acquisition. Drove the concept and security strategy through two complete release cycles from definition, beta to a successful product launch at VMworld. VCNS aka vShield product line was the security fabric of VMware virtual and cloud infrastructure prior to NSX integration.
- Launched 3 different vShield 5.0 products with 6 public reference customers, 24 customers in on-site beta and 100+ download beta customers. Product revenue grew from a single digit million to 10s of millions.
- Trusted consultant to large enterprises and service providers as they design next generation data center by helping bridge the technology and organizational workflow challenges in their security journey to the cloud.
Director, Product Management - Security
Infoblox
04.2013 - 08.2015
- Led cloud security and DNS security innovations, achieving 20% growth in product bookings
- Developed ML-driven network intelligence and threat detection for enterprise security solutions
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
Education
Master’s - Electrical Engineering
University of Houston
Houston, TX05.2000
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
University of Mumbai
Mumbai08.1997
McKinsey Executive Leadership Program -
Skills
- AI/ML Infrastructure & Cloud Services (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS)
- Cloud-Native Security
- Orchestration Frameworks
- Strategic Partnerships
- Enterprise-Scale Cloud Computing
- GTM Strategy
- M&A
- Business Transformation
- Revenue Growth
- Global Cloud Operations
- High-Performance Teams
- Strategic visioning
- Data-driven decision making
- Cross functional leadership
- Business model innovation
Coreexpertise
- AI/ML Infrastructure & Cloud Services (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS)
- Cloud-Native Security, Kubernetes, and Orchestration Frameworks
- Strategic Partnerships (AWS, Azure, CSPs, AI/ML Ecosystem)
- Enterprise-Scale Cloud Computing & GTM Strategy
- M&A, Business Transformation & Revenue Growth
- Global Cloud Operations & High-Performance Teams
Publicationsandthoughtleadership
- Speaker at NVIDIA GTC, BlackHat USA, and industry panels on AI-driven security & cloud transformation.
- Published research on threat actors (TeamTNT, Gorgon Group) on Malpedia, Virus Bulletin.
- Contributor to AI/ML-driven cloud security frameworks and GenAI innovations.
Additionalleadershiproles
- Founder
Cyberliteracyforall 2018 - 2024
Developed ‘Capture the flag’ open-source software game in GCP using Kubernetes. Conducted hands-on training events
conjunction with TechBridges for Girls and Garje Marathi organizations. - Executive board member
Washington State University and ACASI (501.3c) 2017 - 2019
Sponsored Capstone program and internship for 25+ students
Timeline
Chief Product Officer
Aryaka Networks
02.2022 - Current
VP & CTO, Security | Head of Global Business Operations
F5 Networks
12.2015 - 02.2022
Director, Product Management - Security
Infoblox
04.2013 - 08.2015
Head of Products
NetCitadel
04.2012 - 03.2013
Senior Product Manager
VMware
05.2010 - 04.2012
Master’s - Electrical Engineering
University of Houston
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
University of Mumbai
McKinsey Executive Leadership Program -
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