Juan Merelo

Fractional & Virtual CISO and CTO: As a trusted advisor, I help businesses navigate the complex landscapes of cybersecurity and AI adoption. I provide strategic guidance and hands-on support to protect your assets and leverage emerging technologies for growth. My core offerings include: Fractional Virtual CISO/CTO: Get executive-level leadership without the full-time commitment. I'll develop and implement robust security strategies, manage your technology roadmap, and ensure your business is secure and future-ready. AI Adoption & Integration: I'll help you identify where AI can drive value, from operational efficiency to new product development. I'll guide you through the process of safely and responsibly integrating AI into your business operations. Confidential Computing Expertise: Safeguard your most sensitive data while it's in use. I offer specialized consulting on confidential computing, ensuring your data remains private and secure even in cloud or shared environments. Cybersecurity Training & Awareness: Empower your team to be the first line of defense. I provide customized training programs that go beyond basic awareness, covering critical topics and building a strong security culture. Technical Due Diligence: I provide comprehensive assessments for M&A activities, giving you a clear picture of a company's cybersecurity posture and technology infrastructure. Security Architecture Review: I'll analyze your current systems and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen your security architecture and reduce risk. Incident Response Planning: Be prepared for the worst. I'll help you develop and test a solid incident response plan so you can minimize damage and recover quickly from a cyberattack.

Spearheaded IT infrastructure growth from 7 to over 200 locations, implementing a full SD-WAN network with n+1 redundancy. Directed the successful recovery from a major ransomware attack (Jan 2024), restoring full operations within few hours and collaborating with law enforcement to apprehend the attackers. Lead a team of 25 technicians and several subcontractors, ensuring 24/7/365 operations for a company with 11,000+ employees. Manage 5,000 active Google Workspace Enterprise+ users and 9,000 archived profiles, maintaining near-zero spam false positives. Led the migration of over 100 file servers to 4 Cloud File servers, improving access management, deduplication, and data mapping.

• Spearheaded the installation and training of advanced systems for over 27 companies globally, enhancing operational efficiency. • Conducted comprehensive project management across multiple countries, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction. • Achieved a 30% reduction in onboarding time through effective training programs tailored to diverse cultural contexts.

• Spearheaded the transition of GFCI technology from 1" to 1/2" circuits, enhancing product efficiency. • Managed the design, patent, UL certification, and marketing processes, ensuring compliance and market readiness. • Successfully converted traditional blueprints to digital formats for CAD and CAM prototyping, streamlining production.

• Spearheaded the digitization of scheduling processes in a traditional corrugated plant, enhancing operational efficiency. • Elevated plant efficiency from the 40s% to the upper 90s%, significantly optimizing resource utilization. • Boosted on-time deliveries from the 60s% to the upper 90s%, ensuring customer satisfaction and reliability. • Contributed to Union Camp Paper's transformation into a modernized facility under now the International Paper's umbrella.

• Managed the successful conversion of the Westinghouse Breakers division post-acquisition by Eaton, ensuring seamless integration. • Oversaw all UL certifications, engineering processes, and maintenance operations, enhancing product reliability and compliance. • Implemented strategic improvements that led to increased operational efficiency and reduced downtime.

• Directed the construction and management of a state-of-the-art paint can manufacturing facility, ensuring operational efficiency. • Oversaw maintenance management for both can and chemical plants, optimizing processes and reducing downtime. • Led the adoption of Glidden Standards, enhancing product quality and compliance across operations.

• Managed a diverse team of 350 assemblers and support personnel in a high-volume assembly plant. • Oversaw the assembly process for Switchgear breakers, ensuring quality and efficiency. • Conducted all GFCI testing to maintain safety standards and compliance. • Improved operational workflows, resulting in a 15% increase in assembly efficiency.