Dr. Siraj Rahim

The Deputy General Manager – Operations Technology & Information Security is responsible for leading, managing, and securing enterprise operational technology (OT) and information Security (IS) systems. The role ensures high availability, cybersecurity resilience, regulatory compliance, and alignment of technology initiatives with business and operational objectives.

At MRF, I lead Operational Technology (OT) initiatives focused on improving system resilience, reducing downtime, and modernizing legacy industrial infrastructure. I’ve been instrumental in projects involving SCADA, PLC, and MES systems—particularly in architecting reliable, redundant solutions for critical Assets. Currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for MRF, where I lead cybersecurity strategy, governance, and compliance while bridging the IT and OT landscape to safeguard critical manufacturing operations. My role bridges engineering and leadership, ensuring that tech upgrades align with production goals, cybersecurity standards (ISA/IEC 62443), and business continuity. Working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, I’ve handled complex challenges including undocumented legacy systems, IT-OT integration, and zero-downtime execution planning.

• Developing and maintaining a security architecture, identifying appropriate tools and services that are ‘right sized’ for the organization, and protecting the information assets and technical environments of the organization from risk • Balance the needs of the business against requirements to identify and manage reputational, operational, and technology risks • Oversee execution of approved information security projects and provide regular status reporting on the progress of such projects. • Lead the transformation and maturation of the Information Security team from its current state to a stance more aligned with a NIST Standard. • Identify, propose, and deliver on key information security program priorities, initiatives, plans, practices, and tools. • Partner with the GRC teams to ensure Organization is and remains compliant with the security standards and controls across the entire organization; • Identify security design gaps via Problem Management and coordinate with architect and recommend changes or enhancements; • Be responsible for and enforce global security operations standards. • Partner with stakeholders to coordinate and perform security vulnerability assessments, tests, and related activities. • Serve as a primary escalation point for all technical issues related to information security; • Respond to security-related incidents and provide thorough analysis and remedial solutions; • Contribute to the annual budget planning process and help manage that budget throughout the year; • Effectively recruit, build, and grow a skilled, strong, and engaged team.

• Lead Astrazeneca Global Cyber Security initiatives and operations including developing, maintaining, and overseeing the operation of security tools, processes, and policies to defend, detect, and respond to threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks targeting the company. • Provide cross-functional leadership of security operations activities including vulnerability mitigation, incident response, and risk assessments. • Over multiple years have managed and provided guidance as subject matter in handling Operation issues in Network Service, Security Operation, and Identity and Access Management team. • Led the Cyber Security effort on Digital Transformation within AstraZeneca manufacturing sites with the objective to meet Industry 4.0. • Lead managers responsible for identifying security service vendors, negotiating contracts, and implementing new systems or procedures and handling budget of 5 M US$. • Responsible for championing awareness, influencing compliance with security policies, and providing solutions for business specific security issues • Guided implementation of company-wide enterprise security strategy for network and hardware, disaster recovery, data protection, and endpoint protection. • Fostered a positive working environment that encouraged innovation, collaboration, and accountability and managed business needs with future-fit strategy.

Key Accountability: Strategy – To create and maintain Information Technology & Management strategy in line with stakeholder needs and in keeping up with current best in the field of IT. Project Management- To manage the further development and implementation of current projects such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Data Center, IT Infrastructure at site level, Specifically to manage: • the development plans for ongoing integration, upkeep and improvement of IT systems; • the commissioning of appropriate and cost effective procurement and contractual arrangements; • the migration of core technologies and tools to the ‘cloud’. Implementation – To manage the day to day operations of IT systems, ensuring that planning, end-user impact, change management, training, quality management are properly addressed and monitored to ensure that deadlines, budgets and service levels are met and results delivered. Budget - To manage the annual Information Management budget and any associated funds. Specifically to be responsible for the review, audit and prioritization of all information management tools, including the replacement cycle of information technology hardware. Service - To organize and implement servicing and support of all Foundation IT systems to agreed service level standards. In particular: • to ensure training is provided on any new information management tools that may be introduced; • to monitor take up and use by staff and stakeholders; • to provide remedial support where necessary; • to work in partnership with the Global IT leadership. Business continuity - To develop and maintain the Major Incident & Business Continuity plan for IT and to implement measures designed to safeguard the Information Technology in the event of major incidents or disasters.

. Lead Infrastructure technology staff responsible for functional & technical end user services including hosting services for external customer base • Manage vendor relations as necessary including SLAs and project deliverables with the ITIL framework and other process management strategies for designing, managing and measuring the performance of infrastructure support functions • Forecast financial, physical, and human resource needs to meet established objectives managing budgets (capital and expenses) for acquisition of equipment, maintenance and services, with a critical eye toward cost management. • Provide Project oversight in conjunction with the PMO, to insure on-time delivery of Virtual Desktop Projects including Global Unified Communications Project selection of a Global Unified Communication platform. • Plan and Manage the unit's design, planning, development, implementation and optimization of infrastructure services components (Linux, Windows servers, EMC, Citrix, VMWARE, Active Directory and LDAP, Security monitoring and protection services, software distribution and automation, patch management, Microsoft Exchange, desktop platform selection, desktop image and standardization, Anti-Virus, desktop security packages, desktop policy and compliance and mobile computing/PDA standardization, Telephony, MPLS, Internet) • Plan, Document, and Manage the Identify security risks and oversee the implementation of IT security globally utilizing solutions such as: IPS/IDS, End Point Security, Network Security, Database Security, Firewalls, Cloud Proxy, Network Admission Control and Network Segregation Conduct talent management activities including mentoring, training, or providing technical growth opportunities.

 In-depth understanding of the various facets of the Infrastructure Migration and Support Services framework  Managing and transitioning the infrastructure and technical support from local and regional site IT spread across the globe to low cost Shared Service Center for Flextronics. Leading a team of AD/ Application professionals.  Functioned as SOX assessor for Flextronics AD responsible for adherence of SOX Policies.  Followed ITIL process where ever applicable  Worked closely with Microsoft Business team as a Program coordinator to ensure smooth setup of new technologies upgrade, labs, and operations

My Primary Responsibilities: 1. To Prepare RFP on Government projects 2. To prepare project proposal of sanctioned projects 3. To Manage Resources and Budget for projects 4. Pre and post sale activity on Infrastructure and Infrastructure related software

 Project planning, scoping, effort estimation, tracking client communication & presentation.  Interacting with customer as well as team for requirement gathering and finalization.  Process Definition & Implementation Methodology.  Offshore Delivery Management for technical and functional deliverables of projects.  Managing and leading team members; allocating resources and guiding the team throughout the project.

To Manage Binwani's stores in respect to Network, Servers, POS, Surveillance System and web site content. Daily activity of Network Monitoring, Backup of Data ( Tally and Surveillance Data)

Computer Science