Ahmed Farouk

Ahmed Farouk Khalifa Giza, Egypt Phone: - Email:-&-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-farouk- Professional Summary Seasoned Information Security Executive with over 20 years of expertise in developing enterprise security frameworks, managing risks, and driving digital transformation. Proven leadership as CoFounder, CTO, and Chief Information Security Officer, excelling in enhancing cybersecurity postures across banking, financial services, and technology sectors. Skilled in aligning security strategies with organizational objectives while ensuring compliance and fostering innovation. Career Progression Chief Technology Officer, Co-Founder OLIV Financial Services Ltd, Egypt (2023 – Present) • • • • • • • Spearhead the technological roadmap and information security strategy to support business growth. Provide strategic oversight to align technology initiatives with organizational goals. Designed and optimized enterprise security architecture in compliance with internal and external standards. Advised the Board of Directors on security strategy, employee training, and customer awareness programs. Chaired the Information Security Committee, leading initiatives to mitigate ICT risks and enhance security. Defined long-term security goals and implemented maturity models for continuous improvement. Supervised ICT risk management lifecycle, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Chief Information Security Officer Banque Du Caire, Egypt (2017 – 2023) • • • • • Designed and optimized enterprise security architecture in line with internal and external compliance standards. Advised the Board of Directors on security strategy, employee training, and customer awareness initiatives. Chaired the Information Security Committee, overseeing initiatives to mitigate ICT risks and enhance security resilience. Defined long-term security goals and implemented maturity models for continuous improvement. Supervised ICT risk management lifecycle, ensuring compliance with evolving legal and regulatory frameworks. Microsoft Center of Expertise, Egypt Engagement Manager (2014 – 2017) • • • Achieved 160% revenue growth for Enterprise Security Solutions across North Africa, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Jordan. Managed business operations for enterprise security solutions, upscaling opportunity closure rates by 28%. Directed enterprise security services post-sales activities, enhancing client satisfaction and retention in the Middle East and Africa. Information Security Engineering Unit Head National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), UAE (2011 – 2014) • • • Led security operations, managing controls such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and encryption solutions. Acted as a key liaison with Audit, Compliance, and Governance departments. Oversaw the Security Operations Center, improving incident response and threat lmanagement capabilities. Lead Functional Consultant - Information Security International Turnkey Solutions (ITS), Kuwait (2010 – 2011) • • Planned and implemented security solutions integrated with ITS’s core banking systems across 15 countries. Managed standalone enterprise security services and led SOC operations for remote monitoring and support. Chief Security Architect National Computer Services (NCS), Kuwait (2006 – 2010) • • Directed pre-sales activities for security products and services across diverse sectors, including government and banking. Provided IT security and audit consultancy services to high-profile key accounts in the Gulf levant, and North Africa. Technical Account Manager Microsoft, Egypt (2002 – 2006) • • Orchestrated Premier Support services delivery to enterprise clients, offering world class value and full fledge performance for all Microsoft technologies. Managed relationships with key accounts, enhancing technology adoption and client satisfaction. Information Security Engineer / Information Security Services Manager GulfNet Solutions (GNS), Egypt (1999 – 2002) • • Developed and managed enterprise security solutions, including vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Led pre-sales efforts, designing and implementing security architectures for diverse clients Professional Certifications • • • • • • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – First in the Middle East, ‘03 Egyptian Banks Federation Accredited Electronic Banking Anti-Crime Expert. Microsoft Certified System Engineer - Internet Security (MCSE+I), USAID/ICL Early Achiever Honors, ‘99 HP Certified Integration Specialist. Trend Micro Certified Security Expert. Websense Certified Security Engineer. Education • • Master of Computer Applications – Research and Commercial Studies Center, Cairo University (Globally Accepted Financial Computer Systems Forensics investigation practices). Bachelor of Commerce – Cairo University. (Accounting) Key Skills • • • • • • • • Enterprise Security Architecture & Strategy ICT Risk Management & Compliance Cybersecurity Framework Implementation Team Leadership & Professional Development Security Operations Center (SOC) Management IT Security & Audit Consultancy Business Development & Revenue Growth Regulatory Compliance (PCI, ISO, GDPR, etc.)