With around 2 decades of experience in the industry, Ninad Purohit ensures that CFGI clients benefit from his extensive cybersecurity expertise and unique blend of experience in delivery and operations.
Hypergrowth on the global stage
After earning his Master of Business Administration in finance from Mumbai University, Ninad worked for Prudential Insurance of the U.K., where he was part of the cybersecurity group responsible for operational risk management as well as ISO 27001 audits. He then joined Capgemini and began to manage offshore cybersecurity operations in India.
“I was actually the second cybersecurity expert Capgemini hired in India back in late 2005,” says Ninad.
During his tenure with the global service integration provider, Ninad commissioned three security operations centers, first in Mumbai and Bangalore, then after moving to the United States, in Columbia, South Carolina.
As he progressed through the ranks at Capgemini, Ninad was instrumental in building out the cybersecurity practice and served as one of the early members across the group globally. Ninad was responsible for the growth of Capgemini’s offshore cybersecurity team from less than 10 resources to an approximately 400-strong team of cybersecurity experts in the initial years. He also worked directly with the global leadership to build out go-to-market cybersecurity strategies throughout Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with particular emphasis on markets in Southeast Asia and Australia.
His work brought him to the U.S. in 2014 when he took up responsibility of growing the cybersecurity business for Capgemini’s largest market: North America.
From his home base in New Jersey, Ninad helped oversee a period of massive growth for Capgemini’s cybersecurity offerings over five years when the North America cybersecurity revenue grew over 700%.
Joining the CFGI family
When Ninad took the helm for cybersecurity at CFGI, he was a bit surprised by the company culture — in the best way. Collaboration at CFGI has a real family atmosphere, he notes. If you ask for help from your colleagues on a specific topic, they’ll go above and beyond your expectations.
“That’s something that I really like and respect about this firm, and it’s also something that keeps me going, because it allows you to go after more complex things,” says Ninad.
At CFGI, Ninad is responsible for managing and growing cybersecurity services. It’s a natural fit for clients that are looking to do all they can to mitigate risk, he feels.
“Most importantly, both co-CEOs have been extremely supportive,” he says.
To continue improving cybersecurity offerings for clients, Ninad is focused on cultivating an ecosystem of partners, including a joint offering with SecurityScorecard. By growing these partnerships and remaining technology agnostic, CFGI is able to help clients make the right choice for their needs and budget or optimize their existing infrastructure.
Even cybersecurity experts need to recharge
Given his dedication to client success, it may seem difficult to believe that Ninad ever has a moment to unwind, but he makes time for exploring the open road from the back of his Harley-Davidson.
“I do at least 3,000 miles every season. That’s my stress buster,” he says.
In addition to traveling to relaxing beach locales with his family when the circumstances permit it, Ninad is also an avid tennis enthusiast.
“I’m a die-hard Roger Federer fan. So if you’re a Rafael Nadal fan then, you know, we have a problem,” Ninad jokes.
Professional sports rivalries aside, Ninad Purohit is somebody you always want on your team when it comes to cybersecurity.
