Stefano Pilla

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT STEFANO PILLA

I am a Network & Security Architect and CEO & Founder of FiveFold, specializing in the design, implementation, and operation of large-scale, secure, and automated infrastructures, with a strong focus on AI and high-performance computing environments.My background spans enterprise and service-provider networking, security architecture, and advanced automation. Over the years, I have designed and delivered complex infrastructures covering campus, data center, multicloud, and WAN environments, integrating security by design and operational scalability as first-class principles.In recent years, my work has increasingly focused on AI infrastructure, including high-throughput, low-latency network fabrics, secure AI workloads, GPU-centric architectures, and automation frameworks required to operate AI platforms reliably at scale. This includes close alignment between networking, security, compute, and orchestration layers.My core areas of expertise include:Network and security architecture across enterprise, data center, and multicloud environments, including large campus and global WAN designs.AI infrastructure and high-performance networking, with a focus on GPU-centric architectures, low-latency fabrics, and secure AI workloads.Network automation and programmability using Python, Ansible, CI/CD pipelines, and model-driven APIs (RESTCONF, NETCONF, gRPC), enabling scalable and repeatable infrastructure operations.Software-defined networking and policy-based architectures leveraging SDN and intent-based platforms.Advanced routing, segmentation, and traffic engineering using technologies such as BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS, EVPN/VXLAN, and policy-based routing.Zero Trust and security integration for modern workloads, including next-generation firewalls, segmentation, and identity-aware network access.Workload and platform infrastructure integration, including experience with containerized environments and Kubernetes-based platforms, with attention to networking, security, and operational aspects of distributed workloads.I hold CCIE and DevNet Expert certifications and have a strong hands-on background across Cisco (Enterprise, Data Center, SDN, Automation), NVIDIA (AI networking and high-performance fabrics), Palo Alto Networks (NGFW and security architectures), Kubernetes-based platforms, and leading cloud providers. I combine architectural vision with deep technical execution, supporting organizations in evolving from traditional infrastructure models to scalable, automated, and AI-ready platforms.