SEAN Q. XU

80 Julie Lane • Vernon Hills, IL 60061

(847) 840-6611 • seanqxu@gmail.com

SENIOR TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE

Integrated/Enterprise IT Solutions ww Business/Technology Alignment ww Strategic Initiatives

Technology Performance Optimization ww Corporate Mission & Vision Fulfillment

Entrepreneurial, energetic and innovative senior technology executive with track record of fusing IT vision and

strategy with business needs in master data management, application development and infrastructure services.

Strong in strategic thinking along with diversified experience in product and service sales with successes in

multimillion-dollar initiatives and excel in driving business relevancy, cost-sensitive performance and service

excellence.

Selected Areas of Expertise:

ww Team Building & Leadership

ww Business / IT Alignment

ww Strategic Planning

ww IT Governance, AMO

ww Network Enhancement

ww SOA, J2EE, WebSphere, .Net

ww VMware vSphere, Citrix XenApp

ww Microsoft Windows Azure

ww IT Finance, NPV, ROI, IRR

ww Hands-on Experience

ww Best-in-class IT Practices

ww Cost Reduction/Avoidance

ww Master Data Management

ww Big Data Analytics

ww Enterprise Application Design

ww OLTP, OLAP, RDBMS, NoSQL

ww Apache Hadoop, MapReduce

Professional Experience

Synchrony Financial

VICE PRESIDENT, ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE

• Leads and manages a team of Enterprise Architects who are responsible for developing target state architectures,

technology road-maps, architecture standards, and governance processes.

• Leads, influences, and directs the definition and maintenance of the bank’s business, information, technology, and

solution future state architecture models to enable the business goals and objectives.

• Leads the development, maintenance, and governance of the Synchrony Financial enterprise architecture policy and

standards.

• Partners with EA Program Manager to develop the content and training plan for newly published standards, roadmaps,

and models.

• Builds an engaged architecture community to shape and promote architecture knowledge through periodic

communication, training and competency management.

• Coaches and assists technical teams on highly complex projects that require in-depth knowledge across multiple

technical domains and business segments.

• Maintains an in-depth knowledge of IT industry best practices and emerging technologies to identify and recommend

solutions, products, and services to achieve business goals or solve technical needs.

AIM Specialty Heath, Wellpoint subsidiary

DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

Defined reference infrastructure architectures and components. Prepared business case to secure funding

for, and drove implementation of new technologies based upon business value drivers and return on

2013 – 2014

2014 – Present

ww Technology Evangelism

ww Architecture Led Selling

ww Program Management

ww Systems Integration

ww Cloud Computing

ww TOGAF, ITIL, CMMI, RUP

ww Architecture Modeling Tools

ww Amazon EC2, AWS S3

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Professional Experience, Continued

investment. Designed appropriate infrastructure components in accordance to the holistic vision of Enterprise

Architecture. Presented the infrastructure architecture vision to the senior executives and stakeholders

Led the construction of infrastructure architecture components to the policy and standards of business and IT

recovery. Addressed the gap areas in architecture standards. Developed those standards to be in-line with

customer, IT and industry standards. Drove solutions to meet service requirements, IT capacities and

infrastructure for planned business growth. Built systems and technical architectures for new strategic

initiatives. Assured compliance to the EA and Domain roadmaps for cost effectiveness, business value and

competitiveness.

Cisco Systems, Inc

GLOBAL ACCOUNT CHIEF ARCHITECT

Delivered measurable business results for retail/CPG, logistics, oil & gas, banking and healthcare industries.

Served as the trusted advisor to CxOs and senior executives in the client organizations of Cisco’s top global

enterprise accounts in order to position Cisco as a trusted innovation partner with the customer. Support

sales organizations as a thought leader during proposal development, deal negotiations and service delivery.

Acted as a business and technology consultant to C level executives and served as the innovation leader to

provide input and feedback from customers to Cisco business units in the incubation of Cisco’s new products

and solutions.

Responsible for enterprise architecture practice in the industry verticals designed for senior technology

leaders at the client organizations. Assigned on an embedded engagement model working as an integral part

of the account structure and owning the technology roadmap for the client by becoming an extension of the

clients’ senior exec team and bridging the client’s needs to Cisco’s offerings in products and services.

Identified transformational opportunities leveraging Cisco’s global best practices and solutions.

Coached the technical teams in the effort to align information technology with the business strategies and

execution. Provide executive oversight during the engagements from design phase through implementation in

production. Wrote extensively on variety of topics including service-oriented Infrastructure, business solutions

for collaboration, big data, cloud computing and enterprise architecture practices in different industries.

Selected Accomplishments:

♦ Engaged as an embedded principal architect in Cisco Global Enterprise Theater accounts for senior

executives including corporate CIO, VP of Architecture, VP of Strategy and country CIOs. Evaluated

the client’s current architecture practices and recommended specific steps for new business

transformations with enterprise architecture principles. Served as a key player in building the global

enterprise solution architecture organization of 70 architects and technical specialists. Conducted

workshops on Capability Maturity Management Integration (CMMI) in juncture with assessment of as-is

business application development and service delivery. Defined the to-be maturity level and a 5-year

system architecture strategy for the sponsoring CIO. Trained the enterprise architects and solution

architects ITIL v3 for overall IT service management and TOGAF for architecture development. Initiated

and led the Cisco / customer business transformational projects that address the business processes,

operations and technology enablement with new business models. The transformation strategies called

for project engagements in big dada, cloud computing, next generation data center and network

infrastructure, unified communication and collaboration that resulted in a total of more than 80 million

dollars in product and service sales.

o Responsible for designing and building a green field active-active data center that is able to

host general business applications as well as big data analysis in retail industry. The design

took a balanced approach in virtualization and massively parallel processing (MPP). The new

data center had a hybrid of public and private cloud service capabilities as well as the

integration to traditional application environments to be transformed.

o Responsible for defining a data mining life-cycle process with sub-processes of big data

acquisition, big data storage, data mining and analysis and business value creation and

communication. The life-cycle process addresses data dimensions, data mapping and

reduce, data integration, directed and undirected data mining methodologies. The process

2006 – 2013

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Professional Experience, Continued

was designed with the applications of retail item management, omni-channel commerce, store

operations and performance reporting and retail industry trending and forecasting.

Responsible for defining a 5-year architecture roadmap strategy for the CIO.

o Responsible for a flexible store infrastructure architecture that is capable of on-demand

infrastructure service provisioning. This automated provisioning gives the store managers the

capability of obtaining IT infrastructure through a service catalogue based on seasonal and/or

promotional business needs. This helps to reduce the infrastructure footprint at stores and

achieve cost allocations optimization.

o Led the data architecture team, application architecture team and infrastructure architecture

team in a joint program to develop a data-driven IT service delivery model, that included

service catalogue, data flow for collaboration, data presentations for corporate associates and

customers, industry reference architecture, date storage management and data governance.

Collaborated with development teams to conduct the proof of concept, phase implementation

and deployment.

♦ Supported a global logistics and transportation customers in its multi-year business / IT transformational

initiative. The project consolidated the opco-based IT infrastructures into a shared infrastructure service

model with multiple delivery modes of managed services, core hybrid cloud computing and improved

core infrastructure architecture best practices. Identified the transformational opportunities that

leveraged Cisco’s solutions.

o Conducted workshops for executive team and engineering teams on consumption economics

identifying business demands and usages of infrastructure services. Established an

architectural framework for IT service management in data centers, networking, unified

communications and collaboration.

o Responsible for a field network infrastructure transformation initiative. The team defined the

strategies for next generation field network over several thousand locations and the wide area

network (WAN) optimization data centers and the operation sites. The engagement also

defined a roadmap for such transformation approved by the senior management. The

implementation has begun and will be completed in next 5 years.

♦ Developed an architecture framework for business collaboration and solutions with Cisco’s Unified

Computing Systems, Unified Communication, Collaboration and Borderless Networks offerings multiple

global enterprise customers. Such a framework addresses business users’ collaboration needs through

a converged network infrastructure, unified communication applications, device aware APIs for bringyour-own-device

(BYOD) computing and security requirements during collaboration.

♦ Led the corporate master data management initiative that assessed and improved processes,

governance, policies, standards and tools for data services to corporate BI, stores, distribution centers

and different countries by geography. Established the Information Consumption Model as a framework

for structured and non-structured data capture, management structures, data service delivery

requirements and tool integration & life cycle management. Developed roadmaps for OLAP and ETL

tool integration and the services in analytical information that supported the just-in-time business

decision-making.

♦ Active member of industry standard committee that develops and governs the industry-wide master data

management standards. Voting member of committees of Association for Retail Technology Standards

(ARTS), a division of National Retail Federation (NRF).

Professional Consulting Services

CLOUD COMPUTING ARCHITECT

2004 – 2006

Responsible for the full life cycle of service business development in pre-sale initiation, estimation and

proposal development, architectural design and implementation of the engagements. Led server

consolidation projects in strategic outsourcing for Fortune 500 companies in finance, insurance, retail

industries with a technical team co-located in Europe, America and India.

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Professional Experience, Continued

Selected Accomplishments:

♦ Strategic Initiatives – Provided architectural guidance and to-be architecture design in data center

consolidation projects. Designed the enterprise architecture for the migration to server based

computing (SBC) platform in virtualized data centers. Led the data consolidation team to establish new

data storage in the data centers, replicated and migrated databases to provide services worldwide.

Managed the day-to-day technical issues and solutions across different time zones in three countries.

Provided the blueprint for application porting and new development processes and executed these

processes in program management. Performed the deployment of VMWare and Citrix MetaFrame

server farm to virtualize large-scale Windows, Linux and Unix based servers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHIEF ENTERPRISE ARCHITECT

Responsible for directing enterprise architecture strategy, IT systems design and implementation in national

programs. Communicated technology vision to senior executive teams at client companies, prepared annual

department budget, implemented architectural standards and procedures, and coordinated transition to

enterprise-wide development strategy.

Selected Accomplishments:

♦ Organizational Expansion – Built Department of Enterprise Architecture & Technology Services,

Project Management Office, Enterprise Architecture Review Board, and Centers of Excellence.

♦ Strategy Planning & Implementation – Spearheaded adoption of Rational Unified Process in junction

with Agile Software Development Methodology, IT portfolio management, service-oriented enterprise

reference architecture, and enterprise IT strategy initiative. The enterprise architecture and solution

architecture practice became the strategic counterpart to the business process management initiatives

with strategic super processes across all lines of business.

♦ Strategic Initiatives – Partnering with senior business leaders in the business intelligence initiative,

provided solution architecture guidance and mentorship to an enterprise strategic project of claim and

customer service process.

2000 – 2002

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) Consulting Group

PARTNER

Responsible for service business development with an annual run rate of 5 million dollars. Served as a key

catalyst in developing new generation of computer systems; worked directly with clients to define strategy, set

project goals and provided support for organizational changes, business processes, and technology

improvements. Established strong customer relationship through value-based business development and

high quality project delivery. Negotiated effectively high-valued customer engagements and managed P&L in

the partner-led consulting organization.

Selected Accomplishments:

♦ Program Management – Led design, implementation and maintenance in a full cycle of consulting and

outsourced systems development projects with recurring annual subscription revenue of 20 million

dollars. Managed business systems renewal, corporation system security and enterprise application

integration initiatives within time and cost objectives. Managed the outsourcing engagements with

strategic client partners.

♦ Staff Development – Played instrumental role in building strong, top-performing staff through hiring,

training, mentoring, and support; contributed to development of comprehensive competency centers.

♦ Brand Recognition – Positioned the company as industry expert at trade shows and conferences.

Provided technical leadership in sales and marketing. Managed the customer and vendor relationship

in the solution design and delivery through strategic partnership.

1996 – 2000

2002 – 2004

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Professional Experience, Continued

IBM Global Services

SENIOR CONSULTING IT ARCHITECT

Provided consulting services to Fortune 500 client companies and thought leadership across broad range of

eCommerce and enterprise application disciplines. Managed end-to-end project delivery and led crossfunctional

teams in engagement execution. Provided technical leadership in the sales cycle and business

development.

Selected Engagements & Accomplishments:

♦ Major Insurance Company – Managed $20 million enterprise information systems security project for

client with $115 billion in assets and several lines of business. Negotiated contracts, wrote statement of

work and project plan, delivered executive briefings and RFI and RFP to vendors, and performed

multiple analysis, evaluation, and troubleshooting tasks to keep consistent project flow.

♦ New Practice Development – Developed practice to offer e-business solutions to IBM’s ISV customers

in China and EMEA region. Directed teams in designing eCommerce and Internet information security

infrastructures for commercial sites and government-sponsored information superhighway.

♦ Fortune 100 Client – Led team in enterprise project for a high-profile company.

Introduced Enterprise

Application Integration (EAI) Architecture for e-business strategy affecting 150 lines of business.

♦ Team Leadership – Directed teams for enterprise-wide data warehouse and SAP integration projects in

financial reporting and general ledger. Pinpointed solutions and provided direction in developing overall

data warehouse design.

Data National Corporation

DATA PROCESSING MANAGER

Supervised 30 team members and managed all facets of corporate data center while contributing to strategic

planning, market exploration and product development activities. Developed budget, evaluated and approved

hardware/software/service purchases, and oversaw development projects and data processing.

Selected Accomplishments:

♦ Key Project Management – Planned and managed the project to implement a client/server architecture

that integrated different business applications and to create a common system platform. Migrated and

integrated large databases of Informix and DB2. Established standard data analytical environment with

SAS for data analytics.

♦ Operations Reengineering – Implemented the company's re-engineering process and reorganized the

data center structure and business processes. Developed software development standards, software

engineering cycles, and quality control procedures.

Colorado Hospital Association

SYSTEM ENGINEER

1992 – 1993

In charge of creating and presenting proposals to top management and board of directors for the development

of new projects; reviewed project implementation plans in data services and researches. Evaluated data

processing procedures, performed statistical analyses and recommended new solution packages to senior

management. Wrote RFPs to vendors and negotiated terms/costs; supervised projects to ensure control over

operating expenses and schedules.

Selected Accomplishments:

♦ Systems Architecture – Designed and implemented client/server database management systems

running on integrated network that supported PC workstations and gateway to remote mainframes.

♦ Service Delivery – Provided expertise and support to hospitals and other health care institutions on

networking, database management, programming, file transfer, data formats and operating procedures

1994 – 1995

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Professional Experience, Continued

leading to improved operations and high levels of member satisfaction. Performed data analytics with

statistic packages of SAS and SPSS.

Houston Tracker Systems (ECHOSTAR)

PROJECT COORDINATOR

1990 – 1992

Oversaw implementation of integrated multi-vendor platform network systems comprised of VAX hosts,

PC/Mac workstations, and TCP/IP protocol that supported Novell Netware, DecNet, AppleTalk and operating

systems (DOS, VMS, Unix and Mac). Held broad-based responsibilities beyond network management duties,

including program development, new business growth, contract negotiations, and executive communications.

Selected Accomplishments:

♦ Core Application Development – Wrote programs for satellite receiver products. Participated in

development of “On-Screen-Graphic (OSG)” and programmed prototype EPROMs for new products.

Designed, programmed and implemented “Returned Material Authorization (RMA) Database System.”

♦ International Business Development – Developed business relations with companies in The People’s

Republic of China; opened up channels of communication, initiated contract negotiations, managed

special pilot projects, and organized site visits, presentations and senior management meetings.

♦ Global Vendor Relationship Building – Served as company’s major liaison to international vendors,

with emphasis in Hong Kong, Taiwan, The People’s Republic of China, Korea and Japan.

Communicated with vendors daily, prepared presentations and contracts for senior executive meetings,

and represented the company in business negotiations.

* Major Companies Served: Walmart, Whirlpool, Sears, Lowes, Chico’s, Amazon, FedEx, Bank of New York

/ Mellon, American Express, Fortis Bank, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Allstate

* Held prior positions as Independent Consultant (1986 – 1990) and Director of North American Division with

China International Travel Service (1982 – 1985).

Education, Certification & Teaching

Master of Computer Information Systems (MCIS)

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, Denver, Colorado (1996)

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, Akron, Ohio (1990)

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

XIAMEN UNIVERSITY, Fujian, China (1982)

IBM Certified Professional

Member of I/T Architect Certification Board (1998)

Master Certified IT Architect

The Open Group (2004)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

Adjunct Faculty Member

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX, Colorado Campus

♦ Taught graduate courses in C/C++ programming, client/server database systems design and

management, data and file structures, and quantitative analysis.

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Professional Experience, Continued

♦ Created new course in Distributed Object-Oriented Database Systems Design that covered OO

database management, systems design methodology and design for object-oriented systems,

distributed systems issues, and object-oriented database design project within financial applications.