Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Rafael Ramirez is an experienced cybersecurity and IT infrastructure professional with a strong background in vendor information security management, risk assessment, and network engineering. He currently serves as the Manager of Vendor Information Security Management at Manulife, where he oversees the implementation and governance of security controls across the company's vendor ecosystem.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Manager of Vendor Information Security Management at Manulife, Rafael is responsible for developing and executing the company's vendor security strategy. He leads a team of security professionals in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, implementing security controls, and monitoring vendor compliance. Rafael's work has been instrumental in strengthening Manulife's third-party risk management and ensuring the overall security of the organization's supply chain.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Rafael held several technical and security-focused positions, including Cyber Risk Manager at TD, Network Engineer at Magna International, and various roles at IBM, where he specialized in network engineering, security offerings, and mobile services. He has a well-rounded background in IT operations, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity, which he has leveraged to drive impactful improvements in the organizations he has served.
Academic Background
Rafael holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Toronto, with a specialization in network security and cloud computing. He has also completed several industry-recognized certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
Areas of Expertise
- Vendor information security management
- Third-party risk assessment and mitigation
- Network architecture design and implementation
- Cybersecurity strategy and risk management
- IT infrastructure operations and optimization
- Project management and team leadership
Professional Impact
During his tenure at TD, Rafael led the development and implementation of a comprehensive vendor security program, which resulted in a significant reduction in third-party risk exposure and improved overall security posture. At Manulife, he has been instrumental in streamlining the company's vendor onboarding and monitoring processes, leading to enhanced visibility and control over the security of its supply chain.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and vendor management, Rafael Ramirez is a valuable asset in the financial services industry. His proven track record of delivering impactful security solutions and driving organizational improvements positions him as a trusted advisor and leader in the field of information security.
