Raja Chris

About Raja Chris

Visionary, hands-on technology executive with over 25 years of experience driving enterprise infrastructure, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity innovation—primarily within the financial services sector. Proven track record of identifying, implementing, and managing systems technologies that align with strategic business goals, reduce risk, and enhance operational efficiency across global environments.I bring a rare blend of executive-level leadership and deep technical expertise across traditional IT, cloud architecture, network design, telecommunications, and cybersecurity governance. My domain expertise spans Windows Server, Linux, Cisco, VMware, Microsoft 365, SCCM, Intune, GPO, Exchange, Azure DevOps, Zerto, Splunk, and enterprise-grade disaster recovery. I’ve led initiatives deploying Windows Virtual Desktop and implemented secure remote access architectures using Citrix and Palo Alto GlobalProtect.Notable accomplishments include:Leading cloud readiness and migration strategies for financial institutions with infrastructures ranging from 125 to 2,500 servers.Designing and implementing one of Wall Street’s most resilient business continuity programs, with daily DR testing and audit-aligned reporting.Planning and executing 50+ global facilities totaling 3M+ sq. ft, including data centers and trading positions.Delivering enterprise-wide security solutions: XDR/EDR (Defender, ThreatDown, Minerva), PAM with JIT access, Duo MFA, and Purview-driven control automation.Implementing big data aggregation platforms like Splunk and Elastic for behavioral analytics and operational efficiency.Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors at the Wall Street Technology Association (WSTA), where I collaborate with other senior technology leaders on emerging trends in IT strategy, cloud security, and operational resilience.

Experience

1. Managing Director - Head of Infrastructure

   Annaly Capital Management

   May 2014 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Partnered with business units to define RPO/RTO targets and led execution of priority disaster recovery enhancements for critical systems.• Re-architected secure remote access using Citrix Desktop and Palo Alto GlobalProtect, improving resilience and user experience across the enterprise.• Modernized voice systems by deploying IP-based turrets/PBX and cloud voice services, enabling seamless hoteling and home-office functionality.• Stabilized LAN/WAN infrastructure during rapid growth by leading strategic network redesign and modernization.• Architected high-availability Windows Server infrastructure with domain controllers, DFS, and enterprise print services in Active Directory.• Designed tiered Group Policy (GPO) structures for access control, hardening, and compliance with corporate cybersecurity standards.• Deployed enterprise VMware vSphere infrastructure VMs) with HA, DRS, and vMotion, ensuring resilience and performance.• Integrated Rubrik and Zerto for automated backups, replication, and disaster recovery orchestration.• Built and implemented an enterprise asset lifecycle system with ServiceNow CMDB, SCCM, and Intune, improving visibility and efficiency.• Aligned IT asset workflows with budget forecasts and depreciation planning in collaboration with Finance and Procurement.• Rolled out Microsoft Intune and Azure AD Conditional Access to secure corporate and BYOD mobile endpoints.• Designed change management workflows with automation, structured approvals, and full traceability across QA/UAT/Production.• Deployed Privileged Access Management (PAM) with just-in-time access, RBAC, and audit-ready tracking for internal and third-party systems.• Rolled out Duo MFA across hybrid apps and platforms, integrated with Azure AD and Windows Hello for consistent identity enforcement.• Implemented XDR/EDR solutions using Microsoft Defender, ThreatDown, and Minerva to deliver full-spectrum threat detection and automated response.

Education

• University of Maryland

  Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Electrical Engineer

• Harvard University

  Managing Risk in the Information Age

Skills

• Disaster Recovery
• Microsoft Exchange
• Windows Server
• Sccm
• Scom
• Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server
• Message Oriented Middleware
• Virtualization
• Vmware
• Cloud Computing
• Desktop Environment
• Vdi
• Desktop Transformation
• Private Cloud
• Hybrid Cloud
• Citrix
• Application Virtualization
• Blackberry Enterprise Server
• Ocs 2007
• Enterprise Vault
• Discovery Accelerator
• Rightfax
• Platform Architecture
• Saas
• Storage Area Networks
• Data Center
• Trading Systems
• San
• Infrastructure
• Itil
• Cluster
• Storage
• Business Continuity
• Market Data
• Servers
• Sharepoint Server
• Software as a Service (Saas)
• Storage Area Network (San)