Christopher Hannie

Technology and Systems professional with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise infrastructure, cloud transformation, systems integration, automation, cybersecurity, and operational technology environments across financial and enterprise sectors. Experienced in aligning technology strategy with business objectives by designing scalable systems, improving operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Strong background overseeing hybrid cloud environments, enterprise platforms, identity and security architecture, automation initiatives, and infrastructure operations.

Skilled at translating operational requirements into practical technology solutions while managing vendors, technical teams, and enterprise projects. Proven ability to improve system reliability, reduce operational risk, optimise reporting environments, and implement scalable automation frameworks across complex organisations. Strong technical foundation across Azure, Microsoft 365, networking, databases, APIs, PowerShell, Python, infrastructure operations, and cloud platforms, combined with strong commercial awareness and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Cloud & Infrastructure Consultant at Independent (2026-01 – Present)

• Provide IT infrastructure and cloud support across enterprise and hybrid environments
• Assist in the implementation of Azure and Microsoft 365 solutions including identity and security configurations
• Support infrastructure automation using PowerShell, Python, and REST APIs
• Contribute to backup and disaster recovery solutions using Veeam and enterprise storage systems
• Provide technical guidance on infrastructure modernisation and cloud readiness initiatives

Information Technology Manager at African Unity Life (2022-10 – 2025-12)

• Led enterprise technology transformation initiatives aligned to business growth, operational resilience, and cost optimisation objectives.
• Engaged executive stakeholders and business units to align technology solutions with operational and strategic objectives.
• Managed migration of 100+ workloads to Microsoft Azure, improving scalability and reducing operational costs by 30%
• Designed and implemented hybrid identity architecture using Entra ID, MFA, SSO, and Conditional Access (Zero Trust model)
• Delivered Microsoft 365 security and endpoint management solutions using Intune, Defender, and Purview
• Implemented Zero Trust security principles across identity, device, and network layers, reducing organisational risk exposure by 50%
• Designed Business Continuity (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) frameworks aligned to ISO 27001 and regulatory requirements (FSCA, Prudential Authority)
• Designed and supported enterprise network infrastructure using Cisco routing, switching, VPNs, SD-WAN, and Cisco Meraki
• Implemented enterprise backup and recovery strategy using Veeam across hybrid storage environments
• Maintained 99.99% infrastructure uptime through proactive monitoring, redundancy planning, and incident response processes
• Built automation and integration workflows using PowerShell, Python, REST APIs, Azure DevOps, and GitHub
• Collaborated with developers, third-party vendors, and business stakeholders on system integrations, automation initiatives, and technical solution delivery
• Supported Azure SQL data warehouse and data pipeline environments
• Supported operational reporting and data visibility initiatives through Azure SQL, monitoring platforms, and automated reporting solutions
• Supported Kubernetes workloads and Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations environments
• Implemented infrastructure monitoring, alerting, and SLA governance
• Led and mentored IT operations team of 5

Senior IT Infrastructure Specialist at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2021-05 – 2022-09)

• Managed Active Directory, Group Policy, and enterprise endpoint lifecycle systems
• Implemented Microsoft Intune for endpoint management and compliance enforcement
• Supported Microsoft 365 identity and security operations
• Conducted vulnerability remediation using Qualys
• Supported SQL Server environments and application performance optimisation
• Implemented monitoring, alerting, and incident response processes

Systems & Network Administrator - Technical Lead at Task Applied Science (2016-04 – 2021-04)

• Led infrastructure and network operations across 7 enterprise sites supporting business-critical systems and operational continuity
• Designed and managed VMware virtualisation environments supporting enterprise application workloads
• Managed Cisco networking infrastructure including routing, switching, VPNs, network segmentation, and SD-WAN connectivity
• Led MPLS to SD-WAN migration project across multiple sites, improving scalability, performance, and operational efficiency
• Administered Fortinet firewall infrastructure and enterprise perimeter security controls
• Managed Linux and Apache web server environments supporting internal and external business applications
• Supported SQL-based application systems and backend services
• Worked closely with operational stakeholders to align infrastructure solutions with business and operational requirements
• Contributed to systems integration and operational technology improvements to support business scalability and service efficiency
• Automated infrastructure and operational tasks using PowerShell scripting and system integrations
• Designed and maintained backup and disaster recovery solutions using Synology NAS and enterprise backup strategies
• Implemented monitoring, alerting, and incident management processes aligned to ITIL service delivery practices
• Provided technical leadership, troubleshooting escalation support, and infrastructure optimisation initiatives

IT Administrator at Paarl Media (2014-08 – 2016-03)

• Supported enterprise IT infrastructure operations within a large multi-site corporate environment
• Managed Active Directory administration, user provisioning, access control, and Group Policy administration
• Provided infrastructure, systems, and end-user support across business-critical operational environments
• Maintained backup operations, disaster recovery processes, and DR site readiness procedures
• Assisted with infrastructure maintenance, system availability, and operational continuity initiatives
• Supported enterprise server environments and business application availability
• Participated in incident resolution, troubleshooting, and operational support processes to maintain service reliability

IT Engineer at Sun International (2012-07 – 2014-07)

• Supported enterprise infrastructure and network operations within a large 24/7 hospitality and gaming environment
• Maintained server availability, infrastructure stability, and operational uptime for business-critical systems
• Supported Cisco networking infrastructure, firewall troubleshooting, and connectivity management
• Assisted with incident response, operational troubleshooting, and infrastructure support activities
• Supported enterprise systems, user environments, and operational technology platforms across multiple business functions
• Contributed to infrastructure reliability, service continuity, and operational support initiatives in a high-availability environment

IT Operations Specialist at Telkom (2006-04 – 2012-06)

• Supported enterprise IT operations and infrastructure services for 1000+ users across large-scale operational environments
• Managed incident resolution, service requests, and operational support in line with SLA and KPI requirements
• Provided server, network, and infrastructure support across enterprise systems and business-critical services
• Assisted with infrastructure monitoring, troubleshooting, and operational maintenance to ensure service availability and reliability
• Supported user access management, system administration, and operational support processes
• Worked within structured ITIL-based service management environments including incident, problem, and change management
• Collaborated with technical teams and operational stakeholders to maintain stable and efficient IT service delivery
• Contributed to operational continuity, infrastructure support, and enterprise technology service improvement initiatives

Postgraduate Diploma in IT Management – MANCOSA (2026-05)

Advanced Diploma in Business Management – MANCOSA (2025-05)

Certificate in IT Management – University of Cape Town (2023)

National Certificate in IT Systems Support – ISETT SETA (2006)

Diploma in Network Engineering – Torque IT (2003 – 2005)