Ashok Nanda
Singapore
Summary
A Quality Engineering Evangelist with extensive experience in Digital, Data Analytics, AI/ML, and Mobile Security within the financial sector. I have over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality products by optimizing processes, implementing next-generation automation frameworks, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. I am skilled in leveraging AI and data-driven methods to enhance customer experiences and improve overall product quality. As a proven leader, I have a strong track record of managing a global team.
QA LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY: Spearheaded QE transformation initiatives, defining automation strategy and roadmap for APAC markets. Developed comprehensive testing strategies, incorporating risk-based testing approaches, shift-left methodologies and AI based testing tools. Implemented robust KPI tracking and reporting mechanisms, ensuring stakeholder alignment and visibility. TEST AUTOMATION & CONTINUS TESTING: Managed delivery of 40,000+ automated business assurance test scripts across multiple lines of business and systems. Achieved 90% in-sprint automation by leveraging market leading automation tools and method, helped to improve productivity by 30% and reduce sprint testing cycle by 40%. Implemented CI/CD pipelines, integrating automated testing into the DevOps lifecycle for early defect detection. SECURITY TESTING: Spearheaded enterprise-wide cybersecurity transformation programs across APAC/EMEA, implementing cutting-edge mobile security solutions (RASP, biometrics, fraud prevention) Orchestrated comprehensive security assessments for mobile applications, integrating protections based on cybersecurity expert recommendations. TEST ENVIRONMENT & DATA MANAGEMENT: Established centralized test asset repository with defined management processes. Implemented test data management strategies for complex data-driven applications, ensuring data integrity and test coverage. Managed multiple test environments for optimizing resource utilization and reducing environment-related delays. CROSS FUNCTIONAL QA LEADERSHIP: Led diverse QA teams of over 90 professionals across India, China, and Singapore, managing both in-house and partner resources. Ensured seamless integration of QA processes with development, operations, and business teams. Drove adoption of best practices in test case design, defect management, and test coverage analysis. DEVOPS: Spearheaded CI/CD pipeline optimization for mobile app releases, leveraging cutting-edge DevOps tools to achieve continuous delivery. Implemented a "shift-left" QA strategy, seamlessly integrating automated testing into the DevOps lifecycle, resulting in early defect detection and improved software quality at scale
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Head (APAC) - Digital Testing & Release Management
Citibank N.A
07.2011 - Current
- Implemented Straight through processing/automation in mobile app store release management process which includes security RASPing, VA scanning, Regression testing, store upload etc., helps to reduce the overall app release cycle by 70% and cost by 50%
- Piloted the test design to execution by leveraging Gen AI based tools
Head (APAC) - Data & Analytics QE
Citibank N.A
10.2017 - 11.2021
- Implemented NextGen CI/CD, Test Automation tools & strategy (“Learn & Test” (data profiling), BDD framework, in-sprint automation etc)
- Implemented shift-left strategy in SDLC to identify issues earlier
- Developed in-house automation tools to test the Kafka data streaming platform
- Achieved 90% in-sprint automation by leveraging market leading automation tools and method, helped to improve productivity by 30% and reduce sprint testing cycle by 40%
Head (APAC) - Core Banking & Customer management QE
Citibank N.A
04.2016 - 10.2021
- Adoption of Unified testing model, help to reduce overall QA cost and cycle time by 20%
- Vendor consolidation to have clear accountability
- Moved for T&M based resources argumentation to Fixed price engagement model
- Piloted outcome-based resource engagement model
QE Transformation Lead (Consumer Banking)
Citibank N.A
09.2014 - 04.2016
- Setup the automation strategy and foundation for the APAC Consumer QA team
- Introduced multiple tools to help in design, test and governance activities
- Managed 100+ automation developer who automated 40k+ UAT test cases across different business lines (banking, credit cards, digital platforms), developed on multiple tech platform including mainframe
Program Test Manager (Consumer Banking)
Citibank N.A
07.2011 - 09.2014
- Successfully delivered some of the complex banking transformation program (replacement of legacy platform to new enhanced platform build on latest technology) for INDIA, AU business
- Managed and delivered the rollout of newly build Global Rewards Platform for multiple markets across different continents
Offshore Delivery Manager (Telco)
Capgemini Consulting
10.2006 - 06.2011
- Responsible for overall wholesale domain delivery from offshore for one of the telecom transformation project which included co-ordinate with business and front office BA’s to understand the business requirements, prioritizing the requirements, co-ordinate with application team for development and QA (System integration test)
- Responsible for setting up the new team from scratch, defining program test strategy, testing process, identifying, and implementing QA tools for test managements
Business Project Manager
Citibank N.A
07.2004 - 09.2006
- Part of O&T project management team and was responsible for defining the project scope by working with business stake holders, defining the project plan with concurrence from all stakeholders, tracking the project progress, identifying and managing project RISK, and stakeholder communications
Test Analyst
HCL Technologies
12.2002 - 07.2004
- Build and test the new version of embedded real time software on gold wire bonding machines used during semiconductor chip manufacturing
Developer
Apcosoft Infoway
05.2000 - 12.2002
- Worked as VB and ASP developer for P-Relay(ERP) Product
Education
Master’s - information technology
Bharathidasan University
Certification - Machine Learning (From Data to Decisions)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Certification - Portfolio management and governance
University of Washington
Awards And Acknowledgements
- Received Citibank Regional O&T best performance Award in the year 2017.
- Received Capgemini Global Delivery Excellence Award on the year 2010.
Career Summary
Spearheaded QE transformation initiatives, defining automation strategy and roadmap for APAC markets., Developed comprehensive testing strategies, incorporating risk-based testing approaches, shift-left methodologies and AI based testing tools., Implemented robust KPI tracking and reporting mechanisms, ensuring stakeholder alignment and visibility., Managed delivery of 40,000+ automated business assurance test scripts across multiple lines of business and systems., Achieved 90% in-sprint automation by leveraging market leading automation tools and method, helped to improve productivity by 30% and reduce sprint testing cycle by 40%., Implemented CI/CD pipelines, integrating automated testing into the DevOps lifecycle for early defect detection., Spearheaded enterprise-wide cybersecurity transformation programs across APAC/EMEA, implementing cutting-edge mobile security solutions (RASP, biometrics, fraud prevention)., Orchestrated comprehensive security assessments for mobile applications, integrating protections based on cybersecurity expert recommendations., Established centralized test asset repository with defined management processes., Implemented test data management strategies for complex data-driven applications, ensuring data integrity and test coverage., Managed multiple test environments for optimizing resource utilization and reducing environment-related delays., Led diverse QA teams of over 90 professionals across India, China, and Singapore, managing both in-house and partner resources., Ensured seamless integration of QA processes with development, operations, and business teams., Drove adoption of best practices in test case design, defect management, and test coverage analysis., Spearheaded CI/CD pipeline optimization for mobile app releases, leveraging cutting-edge DevOps tools to achieve continuous delivery., Implemented a 'shift-left' QA strategy, seamlessly integrating automated testing into the DevOps lifecycle, resulting in early defect detection and improved software quality at scale.
Timeline
Head (APAC) - Data & Analytics QE
Citibank N.A
10.2017 - 11.2021
Head (APAC) - Core Banking & Customer management QE
Citibank N.A
04.2016 - 10.2021
QE Transformation Lead (Consumer Banking)
Citibank N.A
09.2014 - 04.2016
Head (APAC) - Digital Testing & Release Management
Citibank N.A
07.2011 - Current
Program Test Manager (Consumer Banking)
Citibank N.A
07.2011 - 09.2014
Offshore Delivery Manager (Telco)
Capgemini Consulting
10.2006 - 06.2011
Business Project Manager
Citibank N.A
07.2004 - 09.2006
Test Analyst
HCL Technologies
12.2002 - 07.2004
Developer
Apcosoft Infoway
05.2000 - 12.2002
Certification - Machine Learning (From Data to Decisions)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Certification - Portfolio management and governance
University of Washington
Master’s - information technology
Bharathidasan University
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