Cedric Cook

About Cedric Cook

As a versatile executive with a track record of successfully leading M&A integration initiatives and product management strategies across diverse industries, I believe in driving business growth through Integration and Innovation. With a strong foundation in orchestrating integration operations for acquired companies, such as NS1, Inc. and Pliant, Inc, I excel at aligning business objectives with integration plans to drive operational efficiency and scalability. Additionally, my experience in product management and strategy has enabled me to drive innovation, market fit, and competitive differentiation for networking automation and assurance software. I am passionate about spearheading initiatives that fuel business growth and transform organizations for success in the global marketplace. With a comprehensive background in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing business operations, and enhancing market approach, I am well-equipped to drive development in fast-paced environments.

Experience

1. Director, m & a Integration Executive

   IBM

   Jan 2023 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   In this role, I coordinate integration operations for acquired companies including NS1, Inc. and Pliant, Inc. I lead a team of 134 professionals while managing a business portfolio worth approximately $45M for NS1, Inc, and a 35-member team for business portfolio valued at $6M for Pliant, Inc. I develop integration strategies and plans to align with business objectives and requirements. I identify integration points, dependencies, and potential challenges. Additionally, I design architecture for integrating software systems and applications and oversee implementation of integration solutions. I monitor and record integration project progress, outcomes, and key performance indicators for stakeholders and management. To meet the demands of global marketplace, my focus is on scaling operations. I collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements for integration projects.Some of my notable achievements include:• Directed year-over-year revenue scaling by 132%, securing 71 new customer logos and attaining 45% rate of deal expansion.• Enhanced product reach by expanding into 170 countries globally within six-month time-frame.• Ensured 100% staff retention by implementing effective strategies to cultivate positive work environment.

Education

• Jackson State University

  BS, Business Finance pursued

  1990 — 1991

• Norwich University

  MBA, Business Administration

  2003 — 2005

• University of Phoenix

  BS, Information Systems

  1999 — 2001

Skills

• Brocade
• Storage
• Enterprise Software
• Fibre Channel
• Program Management
• Data Center
• High Performance Computing
• Hardware
• Ds4000
• Cloud Computing
• Dell Poweredge Servers
• IT Management
• Servers
• Cisco Technologies
• Virtualization
• IT Service Management
• Storage Area Networks
• Testing
• Networking
• San
• Integration
• Management
• Team Building
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Team Leadership
• Leadership