Wael Besada
IT Professional l IT Services & Solutions l Digital Transformation l IT & OT Security & Risk Management l Projects Execution
Dubai
Summary
Experienced IT leader with over 20 years in managing enterprise technology environments and transformational initiatives. Recognized for building strong business partnerships, fostering collaborative teams, and implementing solutions that deliver tangible value and operational excellence.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Technology Manager, Global PCD/OT Security • Full-time
The HEINEKEN Company
- Lead the global Operational Technology (OT) security strategy.
- Develop a global comprehensive roadmap outlining required resources, budget, and key business components for global Operational Technology (OT) security across all breweries.
- Manage complex IT/OT security initiatives, including the setup of Greenfield brewery operations.
- Collaborate with key departments to maintain a secure OT environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Ensure digital resilience by embedding security into digital solutions using standardized architecture and blueprints.
- Manage a global team across both on-site and remote locations.
- Develop IT/OT security capabilities and lead a global team to deliver multiple technical projects, ensuring they were completed on time, within budget, and with high quality.
- Provide senior leadership with insights on OT risk profiles, translating these into actionable plans to mitigate identified risks.
- Standardize policies and processes to integrate critical OT and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), effectively mitigating risks and addressing key vulnerabilities.
Regional Infrastructure Manager, AMEE
- Executed global infrastructure strategy across Africa & the Middle East, with a focus on operations, security, and service continuity.
- Led a team of specialists in supporting complex IT projects and operations throughout the region.
- Assisted new operating companies in defining their vision, strategy, and budget for future IT landscapes, ensuring scalability and alignment with long-term business goals.
- Spearheaded the setup of IT infrastructure, organizational structure, and operational teams for greenfield projects and acquisitions across the AME region, ensuring alignment with business goals and strategic objectives.
- Managed the regional infrastructure support team, improving service performance and availability of critical systems to business operations.
- Directed IT projects following Heineken’s global standards and policies.
- Cultivated strong relationships with regional stakeholders to ensure IT services met business needs.
- Led large-scale IT initiatives in breweries across the region.
- Standardized IT infrastructure across the region, ensuring adherence to global policies and improving operational efficiency.
Regional IT Infrastructure Consultant
- Delivered expert-level support on IT infrastructure, including Active Directory, antivirus systems, and LAN/WAN networks.
- Conducted audits and performance assessments, implementing optimization strategies.
- Provided training and knowledge-sharing sessions to enhance regional IT capabilities.
Senior Helpdesk Engineer
Digital & Technology Manager (Sirocco FZCO) • Full-time
The HEINEKEN Company
06.2009 - Current
- Serve as a member of the Management Team, driving the Digital & Technology (D&T) agenda and ensuring technology decisions are fully embedded in business strategy and operations.
- Lead the definition of the D&T strategy, roadmap, and budget, ensuring initiatives are business-fit, cost-efficient, and aligned with Heineken’s global digital vision.
- Build the D&T organization, defining structure, roles, and capabilities to drive and sustain digital transformation across IT, OT, and cybersecurity.
- Collaborate with business leaders in Supply Chain, Finance, Commercial, and HR to identify process gaps and translate them into digital and data solutions.
- Act as the key link between business and technology to ensure digital initiatives enable efficiency, compliance, and business growth.
- Localize and implement Heineken’s global technology standards, including the Digital Backbone, Connected Brewery, and Security Frameworks, for the new brewery setup.
- Deliver a three-year D&T roadmap with clear milestones and critical paths to achieve operational readiness and scalability.
- Establish a strong digital foundation to support continuous innovation and long-term business expansion beyond the initial brewery build phase.
Communication & Infrastructure Engineer
Al Ahram Beverages – Heineken Egypt
10.2005 - 05.2009
- Managed and monitored communication and infrastructure systems, ensuring 24/7 operational readiness for LAN/WAN networks and telecommunication systems.
- Led the design and implementation of secure network infrastructures tailored to business and technical needs.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Business Administration and Management
ESLSCA Business School (Paris)
01.2016
Bachelor’s Degree - Computer Science
Sadat Academy For Management Science
Egypt 04.2001 -
Skills
Digital transformation
Operational technology security
IT/OT integration
Cybersecurity strategy
Project management
Process optimization
Budget management
Team leadership
Infrastructure development
Technology roadmap
Strategic planning
Vendor management
Change management
Cross-functional collaboration
Greenfield project management
IT staff leadership
Certification
Product Owner (PSM1)
Timeline
Digital & Technology Manager (Sirocco FZCO) • Full-time
The HEINEKEN Company
06.2009 - Current
Communication & Infrastructure Engineer
Al Ahram Beverages – Heineken Egypt
10.2005 - 05.2009
Bachelor’s Degree - Computer Science
Sadat Academy For Management Science
04.2001 -
Technology Manager, Global PCD/OT Security • Full-time
The HEINEKEN Company
Regional Infrastructure Manager, AMEE
Regional IT Infrastructure Consultant
Senior Helpdesk Engineer
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Business Administration and Management
ESLSCA Business School (Paris)