Rizwan Yaqub

Highly experienced IT professional with more than 25 years of progressive experience in enterprise IT infrastructure management, cybersecurity, SAP environments, Microsoft 365 administration, IT governance, and digital transformation initiatives within the industrial, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. Currently serving as Lead IT at Olayan Descon Industrial Company (ODICO), Saudi Arabia, managing enterprise IT operations across multiple business locations and supporting more than 600 users. Proven expertise in leading IT infrastructure modernization, strengthening cybersecurity posture, managing mission-critical SAP environments, improving operational resilience, and aligning technology initiatives with business objectives.

Demonstrated success in managing large-scale IT operations, enterprise networking, cloud services, vendor management, SLA and support contract management, IT budgeting, procurement planning, disaster recovery initiatives, and digital transformation programs.

Lead IT at Olayan Descon Industrial Company (ODICO) (2002 – 2026)

• Lead and manage enterprise-wide IT operations supporting multiple business units, remote locations, workshops, warehouses, and more than 600 users across Saudi Arabia.
• Manage enterprise IT infrastructure including LAN/WAN connectivity, SD-WAN, wireless networks, VPN connectivity, servers, storage systems, backup solutions, and endpoint environments.
• Lead cybersecurity initiatives and ensure compliance with organizational and client cybersecurity requirements, including Aramco cybersecurity compliance standards.
• Coordinate and manage SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA related activities including infrastructure coordination, user administration, access management, system availability, and vendor coordination.
• Manage Microsoft 365 environment including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, security policies, and cloud collaboration platforms.
• Plan, manage, and monitor IT budgets, annual operating expenses, technology procurement, and infrastructure upgrade initiatives.
• Handle IT procurement activities including technical evaluations, vendor negotiations, commercial comparisons, PR/PO coordination, and budget justifications.
• Manage IT vendor relationships, SLA agreements, annual maintenance contracts (AMC), cloud subscriptions, software licensing, and third-party support contracts.
• Lead business continuity and disaster recovery initiatives to improve operational resilience and reduce downtime.
• Provide strategic IT recommendations and technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives.

Technical Services Group at DESCON IT24 (Pvt.) Ltd. (2001 – 2002)

• Provided enterprise technical support and infrastructure administration services.
• Supported enterprise systems, desktop environments, and network operations.

Computer Systems Supervisor at DESCON Engineering Ltd. (1996 – 2000)

• Managed computer systems operations and day-to-day IT support activities.
• Provided enterprise user support and technical assistance across departments.

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Computer Science – BZ University, Multan, Pakistan