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Harry Wickramasekera
GRC-Manager at PayPal
Professional Background
Harry Wickramasekera is an accomplished professional known for his superior ability to harmonize business value with technological capabilities. His strategic acumen has allowed him to successfully direct teams and manage substantial budgets, employing effective project management and risk mitigation methodologies. With a career spanning multiple esteemed organizations, Harry has repeatedly demonstrated his proficiency in leading diverse teams through complex projects and has cultivated a reputation as an outstanding negotiator and communicator.
Throughout his career, Harry has held prominent roles in various sectors, including financial services, insurance, and technology. His experience includes significant positions such as the GRC-Manager at PayPal and previously serving as the Vice President of Risk Management/Technology, SLoD, during a transformative phase at MUFG Union Bank, N.A. His background in risk management, combined with his IT capabilities, positions him as a strategic asset in any technology-driven enterprise.
Harry's foundational strength is his ability to foster strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, leveraging his skilled negotiation and facilitation abilities to build consensus across all organizational levels. This unique talent has enabled him to drive key initiatives and align cross-functional teams towards shared objectives, ultimately enhancing the overall IT service capability of the organizations he has worked with.
Education and Achievements
Harry's educational journey laid the groundwork for his successful career. He studied Business and Business Analysis at the renowned Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he honed his analytical skills and business acumen. This comprehensive understanding of business principles has proven invaluable throughout his career.
In addition to his formal education, Harry received training from the United States Marine Corps, where he gained first-hand experience in leadership, discipline, and strategic operation management. The practical skills and leadership quality acquired during his service further enhanced his approach to managing technology and risk within corporate settings.
Employment History
Harry's career trajectory showcases his versatility and capability in various roles:
- GRC-Manager at PayPal: In his current position, Harry is instrumental in defining risk governance frameworks that align with PayPal's innovative goals, ensuring that the organization mitigates risks effectively as it scales.
- Risk Management/Technology - SLoD - M&A Vice President at MUFG Union Bank, N.A.: Here, he played a pivotal role during mergers and acquisitions, ensuring thorough risk assessments and integrating technology seamlessly into the overall risk management strategy of the institution.
- Risk Management at PayPal: Before his current role, he significantly contributed to risk assessment processes and strategies that are critical in payment processing security.
- IT Manager II at CSAA Insurance Group: At CSAA, he managed IT services that ensured operational efficiency and client satisfaction within insurance technologies.
- TPM at Wells Fargo: His role as a Technical Program Manager at Wells Fargo involved overseeing technology initiatives that fostered improved project delivery and cross-team collaboration.
- DR Manager at the State of Arizona: In this capacity, Harry developed disaster recovery strategies that protected critical governmental data and ensured continuity of operations in times of crisis.
- Program Manager at American Express: His tenure at American Express further diversified his experience, allowing him to manage large-scale programs that spanned multiple departments and required intricate stakeholder management.
Notable Achievements
With a career marked by strategic leadership and project excellence, Harry Wickramasekera has consistently achieved significant results:
- Successful implementation of advanced risk management frameworks that have enhanced organizational resilience and operational reliability.
- Recognition as a facilitator of cross-departmental collaboration, creating a culture of teamwork and shared objectives across diverse groups within organizations.
- Development of innovative strategies that have led to improved IT service capabilities and alignment with organizational goals.
- Expertise in negotiation, having fostered long-term partnerships that have enriched the business's strategic outcomes and driven consensus in multifaceted projects.
- Leadership in technology projects that transformed operational processes, established new benchmarks in efficiency, and contributed to technology advancements within his roles.
Harry Wickramasekera stands out as a dedicated professional who brings together technology proficiency, risk management expertise, and exceptional leadership skills. His ability to articulate complex issues and provide clear resolutions makes him a valuable asset in any corporate environment. His career demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence, proactive engagement in problem-solving, and a genuine interest in nurturing robust client relationships.
