This is an exclusive interview series conducted by the Editor Team of The Mainstream with Mr. Akhil Kumar, Senior Vice President at Mizuho Global Services
Akhil Kumar’s professional journey is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With over 18 years of experience across IT systems, cybersecurity, and risk management, his career is a story of rising from modest beginnings to becoming a global leader in cybersecurity and IT governance.
The Early Days: Planting the Seeds of Innovation
Akhil’s journey began in Kolkata, where his entrepreneurial spirit emerged during his college days. Armed with a passion for technology, he founded a start-up that provided IT support and web development services. These humble beginnings as a college student-turned-entrepreneur laid the foundation for his future career. He developed secure websites and managed IT infrastructure for small businesses, showcasing his knack for problem-solving and innovation.
Building Expertise: The Foundation of a Strong Career
Akhil’s thirst for knowledge drove him to pursue a B.E. in Information Technology from IIIT-Calcutta, followed by dual MBAs in Banking & Finance and IT & Systems. His academic journey, enriched by certifications in ITIL, CISSP, PMP, and emerging fields like AI and blockchain, equipped him with a versatile skill set.
His first corporate role with ICICI Bank marked the beginning of a transformational career. He managed IT infrastructure and compliance for over 800 applications, showcasing his ability to handle complexity at scale. Notable achievements included increasing ATM network uptime from 85% to 99% and leading the seamless migration of data centers with 800+ applications.
Rising Through the Ranks: Achieving Breakthrough Success
Akhil’s career reached new heights at HDFC Bank, where he took charge of IT project delivery and compliance. Here, he proved himself as a visionary leader, spearheading India’s first public cloud adoption in the banking sector. His innovative approach saved costs, increased efficiency, and set a benchmark for secure cloud deployments in regulated industries.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Akhil was entrusted with managing India’s CKYC registry—a critical system for sensitive data. Under his leadership, processing speeds tripled, compliance gaps were closed, and robust cybersecurity frameworks were implemented to protect one of India’s largest data repositories.
Becoming a Global Cybersecurity Leader
Today, Akhil serves as Senior Vice President at Mizuho Global Services, where he leads the establishment of a Global Capability Center for cybersecurity, governance, and IT operations. Starting with a small team, Akhil has built a world-class cybersecurity hub that serves the Mizuho Group’s global operations. His work has unified cybersecurity tools, automated processes, and enhanced threat response capabilities, ensuring a secure digital environment across continents.
Overcoming Challenges: Lessons in Resilience
Akhil’s journey is not without its share of challenges. From managing critical incidents like ransomware attacks to addressing network failures during high-stakes projects, he has faced adversity head-on. Each obstacle became a learning experience, shaping his ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver solutions that minimized business impact.
An Influencer and Mentor
Beyond technical expertise, Akhil’s influence extends to mentorship and thought leadership. As a speaker and panelist at global IT events, he shares insights on cybersecurity, cloud adoption, and IT risk management. His ability to inspire teams and foster a culture of ownership and accountability has been instrumental in building high-performing teams that deliver beyond expectations.
Recognitions and Accolades
Akhil’s contributions have earned him numerous awards, including:
- Top Cybersecurity Influencer (2023)
- Cloud Champion Award (2022)
- BIG CIO Innovator Award (2022)
- Infosec Maestros Award (2021)
These accolades reflect his relentless pursuit of excellence and his impact on the IT and cybersecurity landscape.
Looking Ahead: A Visionary with an Eye on the Future
Akhil’s ongoing research on the risks of AI adoption in the Indian banking sector showcases his forward-thinking mindset. His ability to anticipate challenges and craft strategies to navigate them positions him as a thought leader in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Lessons from Akhil’s Journey
Akhil Kumar’s journey teaches us several key lessons:
- Continuous Learning: Success comes from the willingness to adapt, learn, and acquire new skills.
- Resilience: Challenges are stepping stones to growth when approached with determination and a problem-solving mindset.
- Leadership with Empathy: Building and mentoring teams is as important as technical expertise.
- Innovation and Impact: The courage to adopt new technologies and drive transformation is critical for long-term success.
Conclusion
From a young entrepreneur to a global cybersecurity leader, Akhil Kumar’s career exemplifies the power of perseverance, vision, and the drive to make a difference. His story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals in technology and beyond, proving that with determination and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.
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The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is the premier platform dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. As a trusted source in the technology and IT sector, we provide a comprehensive resource for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK
