1. Andrew Wanless T: +97156 130 2093 E: andy.wanless@live.co.uk
Andrew Wanless
Tel: +971-56-1302093 PO Box 126767
Email: andy.wanless@live.co.uk Abu Dhabi
Nationality: British UAE
Date of Birth: July 19, 1973 Marital Status: Single
Professional Highlights
Seasoned IT manager with over 15 years’ experience, possesses solid hands on experience in data centre operations,
networking, virtualization, storage and cloud computing. In depth knowledge of Windows Server and all associated
services, Exchange Server 5.5 through 2013, VMware 4.0 through 5.5. Highly motivated, reliable and capable of working
under pressure while delivering high quality results. Worked with business and technical stakeholders to deliver complex
global projects. Expert in Cisco networking technologies with long experience in designing and implementing complex
networks. Highly dedicated and focused on delivering superior solutions.
Key Skills
● Leadership and management
● Adept in building strong relationships with IT staff, customers, vendors and third party contractors.
● Decision-making
● Extensive knowledge of theoretical IT design and implementation concepts
● Project planning and management skills
● Annual and project budgeting
● Extensive knowledge of IT infrastructure best practice theories and practical implementation
● Organization and planning
● Meticulous attention to detail
● The ability to relate and work well with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
● Analytical problem solving
Technical Experience:
● VMware: Implementation and support of ESXi 5.0 / 5.5 with vCenter, in a SAN environment
● Server systems: Configuration, implementation maintenance of Windows Server 2008 / 2012 Domains, with all
associated services
● Storage: NetApp / Hitachi SAN optimised setup, administration and capacity planning
● Wireless: Cisco / Siemens controller based installation and configuration with Radius authentication
● LAN: Primarily Cisco based, planning, design and implementation with QOS and LAN security
● WAN: Planning design and implementation of layer 3 networks using routing protocols and QOS
● VPN: Planning design and implementation of site-to-site and client access VPN solutions
● SNMP: Configuration of various IT devices, to report to SNMP monitoring tools
Experience
ATS Group Ltd. – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates October 2010 to February 2016
Regional IT Infrastructure Supervisor ME/APAC
IT Manager
Key Achievements:
● Led a team of 5 full time IT support and infrastructure personnel, supporting over 500 users, to become the
highest performing within the global organisation, consistently delivering results ahead of SLA
● Maximised staff efficiency through the implementation of auto-provisioning and remote assist software
● Established Disaster Recover/Failover data centre, leveraging the latest storage and server technologies
● Greatly improved customer satisfaction by implementing IT self-service and structured IT helpdesk
● Led the implementation of datacentres in key demographics of U.A.E, Singapore, China and India
● Reduced power and cooling costs by over 25% through the complete virtualisation of a physical data centre
● Achieved 30% cost reduction in the procurement of IT equipment using a combination of local and international
vendors.
● Vast communication cost reduction achieved by securing enterprise partner status with local telco
● Implement new and improve on existing IT policies and safety standards
● Designed and oversaw implementation of regional MPLS WAN, providing vital voice and data connectivity to 12
global sites and 6 UAE based sites to centralised resources

2. Andrew Wanless T: +97156 130 2093 E: andy.wanless@live.co.uk
Key Responsibilities:
● Ensure availability and performance of all networks, servers and IT services in the ME /APAC region
● Appoint, train and manage members of the Global IT team and contract staff for specific projects
● Allocate Global Infrastructure resources to projects throughout ME / APAC
● Pro-active participant on the continuous service improvement board
● Member of the crisis management board for the ME / APAC region
● Carry out biannual performance reviews for all members of the regional IT team
● Perform regular IT audits for all regional hardware and software resources
● Implement and maintain IT service catalogue
● Evaluation and recommendation of emerging technologies
● Manage helpdesk engineering resources and defined a structured escalation process to ensure internal
customers are receiving timely resolution to IT issues
● Participate in global change management approval processes to prevent service disruption
● Communicate regularly with Senior Management and key stakeholders, to ensure the technology needs of the
region are correctly identified and delivered
● Draw up and present Functional Design Specification documentation for the global organisation
● Project planning including defining timescales, milestones and deliverables, downtime limitation and risk
management
● Ensure all IT services provided are compliant with the Global IT Security Policy
● Managing local and international vendors and service providers to ensure all services are delivered according to
project timelines
● Provide recommendations and business cases for the implementation of emerging technologies
● Oversee configuration, staging and installation of all infrastructure technologies
● Track and report out on project progress
Abtec Network Systems Ltd – U.K. November 1998 to January 2010
Senior Network Engineer
Key Achievements:
● Implementation and support of LAN and WAN solutions for over 100 customers, throughout Europe
● Led technical team implementing the first blade based, boot form SAN environment for the company
● Design and implementation of 802.1x security solution for Leicester College
● Implemented IP Telephony solution, providing multi-site presence information and linking 7 locations throughout
Europe
Key Responsibilities:
● Provide advanced configuration, installation and support services to customers
● Technical sign-off of solutions to be put forward to the end customer
● Provide technical project timeline estimates
● Key member of an active pre-sales team, offering technical advice to both customers and sales staff within the
organisation
● Configuration, staging, installation and support of a large range of IT infrastructure equipment
● Provide an escalation point for network engineers
● Ensuring SLA’s were met for problem resolution, in the event of a service outage
● Knowledge transfer to customers
DXB Band - Dubai, U.A.E. April 1996 - September 1998
Event Manager
Electra Exhibition Service – Dubai, U.A.E. September 1991 - April 1996
Exhibition Stand Designer / Graphic Designer

3. Andrew Wanless T: +97156 130 2093 E: andy.wanless@live.co.uk
Professional and Educational Qualifications
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist- Windows Server 2008 Active Directory
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist- Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist- Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist- Windows Server 2008 Windows 7
Amazon Web Services- Solution Architect
Cisco Certified Network Associate - CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Professional – CCNP
ITIL Foundation
VMware VTSP
Inter-tel Axxess IP Networking
Siemens Hipath Wireless LAN
3 ‘A’ Levels– Computing, Biology, English Literature– June 1991
7 GCE ‘O’ Levels - June 1990
References available upon request