Python
Ahmed Gouda
Global Sr. Solutions Architect Lead - AWS Telco
Dubai
Summary
Experienced and enthusiastic Technology Leader with track record of success across wide range of industries with over 19 years' of experience in the field. Possesses exceptional interpersonal, problem-solving and analytical skills to provide advice and expertise to client organizations improving business performance
Excellent eye for detail enabling quick identification of areas for improvement and suggesting strategies to help businesses reach goals. Focused on introducing efficient systems and processes.
Solid track records in Enterprise Cloud Architecture, Security & Compliance, Digital Transformation, Voice and AI Technology.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
8
8
Certificates
Work History
Global Sr. Solutions Architect Lead - AWS Telco
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2022.11 - Current
- Technical Architect Lead for one of the largest Telco customer in EMEA (Vodacom Africa Group) and handling their OpCos across 6 African markets (South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique, Tanzania, DRC and Lesotho).
- Maintained current and in-depth understanding of business processes , needs and objectives.
- Strategically positioned Generative AI solutions to solve various business challenges facing both internal and external customers.
- Leading and Delivering Cloud RFPs covering all their technical and commercial requirements.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to stay current on industry trends, making informed decisions for technology and Cloud adoption.
- Bridged gaps in legacy systems (AIX, Oracle, IBM) with modernized Compute and Data solutions that increased overall efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing workflows.
- Designed and implemented infrastructure utilizing AWS services for improved reliability and cost effectiveness .
- Enhanced application performance by integrating cloud technologies and microservices architecture.
Sr. Solutions Architect Lead - Alexa International
Amazon
2020.10 - 2022.10
- Launched Arabic Alexa in UAE and KSA in Dec 2021.
- Launched 160+ Arabic Alexa Voice Skills with partners cross UAE and KSA.
- Leading, building and launching Alexa built-in with eLife Etisalat service as part of Smart Living and Home Control including Voice, IoT, Smart Home, Security Camera and others.
- Working on Complex voice design for DEWA, Emirates NBD, Fatafeat, Anghami, Jahez, Careem, Dominos, Expo 2020 and others.
- Leading Spiritual and Islamic experience on Alexa including Quran experience with Anghami, Islamic Calendar, Athan/Call for Prayers with UAE and KSA authorities.
- Coordination and planning Alexa Voice Services and Alexa skills to achieve results according to launch schedule.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems for both internal product team and external partners.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated timely.
Sr. Solution Architect - MENA
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2019.07 - 2020.10
- Working with Sales Manager to build and grow Rest of MENA Territory (Kuwait, Egypt and Qatar).
- Working with over 30 large customers across different verticals ; Retails, FMCG, FSI and SMB to adopt Cloud and migrate from on-prem to AWS.
- Implementing large SAP on AWS projects for HyperOne, Juhayina, New Giza and Hassan Allam in Egypt.
- Launching e-Commerce platform and Mobile App for multiple brands under Alshaya Group in Kuwait.
- Migrate Talabat on-prem system to reduce cost and build modern app.
- Unblocking security & compliance issues with Emirates NBD, FAB, RAK Bank, Bank ABC and others.
- Created plans with Sales team and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time.
Sr. Solutions Architect - Sub-Saharan Africa
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2017.03 - 2019.07
- Established strong relationship with largest Financial Services in South Africa to adopt and migrate to AWS.
- Building strong security solutions for ABSA, FNB, Sanlam, Capitec, Old Mutual, Entersekt and others.
- Working closely with major retailers Pick n Pay, Woolworth, Makro, Game on data analytic solutions.
- Performed initial assessment for Pick n Pay SAP migration to AWS.
- Active member in Security & Compliance Community.
- Working with EMEA customers to unlock some of their critical security architecture (Encryption, Federation, Identity & Access Management, Edge protection, Incident Management)
- Security Technical Advisors for customers.
Security Cloud Engineer- AWS Enterprise Support
Amazon Web Service (AWS)
2015.01 - 2017.03
- Building Security Support Cloud team across the globe. Hiring, coaching, building training materials for SMEs.
- Apply advanced troubleshooting techniques to provide unique solutions to customers' needs
- Interact with leading technologists around the world.
- Work directly with Solutions Architects to help reproduce and resolve customer issues.
- Leverage extensive customer support experience to provide feedback to internal AWS teams on how customers use AWS services.
- Drive customers communication during critical events.
Senior Network Security Engineer
Alexandria Fertilizers Co (AlexFert)
2007.03 - 2014.12
- Planning: Conducts short- and long-term planning to meet network requirements.
- Network System Design and Implementation: Designs and implements network systems.
- Network Monitoring: Analyzes network activity and network problems to discover and prevent systematic errors Recommends network design changes/enhancements for improved systems availability and performance.
- Issue Resolution: Troubleshoots diagnoses and resolves network problems. Researches, analyzes and recommends implementation of software or hardware changes to rectify any network deficiencies or to enhance network performance.
- Capacity Planning: Analyzes facilities bandwidth requirements and system interdependencies. Develops capacity planning models.
- Disaster Recovery: Ensures planned testing activities are performed and technical criteria are met.
- Network Performance Assessment: Assesses network performance to ensure that it meets present and future needs of business. Provides network planning recommendations to management
IT Technical Support Engineer
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
2005.12 - 2007.03
- Monitoring & maintaining the computer systems and networks of Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
- Installing & configuring computer systems, troubleshooting system and network problems, diagnosing and solving hardware/software faults and technical problems, either over the phone or face-to-face.
- Ensuring smooth running of computer systems and network applications to support system and users. Supporting new applications and testing/evaluating new technology.
- Working continuously on tasks until completion, prioritizing and managing several open cases at one time.
Education
MBA - Executive MBA
Alexandria University & Georgia State University
Alexandria, Egypt 2012.09 - 2014.12
Master of Science - Security Science
EC-Council University
USA 2009.10 - 2013.08
Bachelor of Science - Communication & Electronics Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University
Alexandria, Egypt 2000.09 - 2005.06
Skills
Data and Cloud Security
Business Architecture
Problem Solving Skills
Critical Thinking Skills
GenAI and AI/ML
Technology Architecture Management
Enterprise Architecture
IT risk management
Product Lifecycle Management
Cybersecurity
Cloud Architecture Design
Customer Relations
Stakeholder Management
Microservices Architecture
Business Development
Timeline
Global Sr. Solutions Architect Lead - AWS Telco
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2022.11 - Current
Sr. Solutions Architect Lead - Alexa International
Amazon
2020.10 - 2022.10
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
2019-09
Sr. Solution Architect - MENA
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2019.07 - 2020.10
AWS Certified Networking Specialty
2019-05
AWS Certified Security Specialty
2018-01
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
2017-09
Sr. Solutions Architect - Sub-Saharan Africa
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2017.03 - 2019.07
AWS Certified Developer - Associate (renewed in April 2023)
2017-01
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate (renewed in April 2023)
2017-01
CISSP (ISC)²
2016-12
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (renewed in April 2023)
2015-10
Security Cloud Engineer- AWS Enterprise Support
Amazon Web Service (AWS)
2015.01 - 2017.03
MBA - Executive MBA
Alexandria University & Georgia State University
2012.09 - 2014.12
Master of Science - Security Science
EC-Council University
2009.10 - 2013.08
Senior Network Security Engineer
Alexandria Fertilizers Co (AlexFert)
2007.03 - 2014.12
IT Technical Support Engineer
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
2005.12 - 2007.03
Bachelor of Science - Communication & Electronics Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University
2000.09 - 2005.06
Software
Java Script
Shell Scripting
Certification
AWS Certified Networking Specialty
Accomplishments
- Achieved Top Tier performance for 5 consecutive years.
- Promoted twice within Amazon within the first 4 years.
- Active member of Bar Raiser community within Amazon.
- Helped in hiring process with over 400 interviews.
Interests
Cycling
Photography
Running
Off-roading