CTO & Executive Leadership
Technology vision, operating models, organizational design, product and engineering alignment, and executive accountability.
Technology Executive · Strategic Advisor · Author
Hi, I’m Najaf.
Let’s turn great ideas into real results.
I’m a technology leader, advisor and author who loves solving tough problems with great people. From AI and M&A to building teams and platforms, I help turn ambitious plans into progress you can measure.
EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
WalmarteBayMacy'sClarivateMarkMonitorOpSec SecurityCraneNXT
About Najaf
Technology leadership built on outcomes, not presentations.
I'm a technology executive with deep experience leading engineering, product, digital transformation and technology operations across enterprise and growth-stage environments.
My career spans large-scale eCommerce, SaaS, cybersecurity and brand protection platforms, as well as private equity transactions and post-acquisition transformation. I bring an operator's perspective to strategy: build the right team, simplify complexity, make decisions and execute.
Today, I also advise organizations through Neighbstor ↗, supporting technology strategy, AI adoption, platform engineering and M&A readiness.
“Execution isn't the last step of strategy. It's the culture that makes strategy work.”
Executive Technology Leadership
AI & Digital Transformation
Private Equity & M&A
Global Engineering Organizations
Platform Modernization
Operational Excellence
Areas of Expertise
Where I create impact.
A blend of strategic leadership and practical execution, from the boardroom to engineering delivery.
AI & Intelligent Automation
AI strategy, workflow automation, responsible adoption, AI-assisted software delivery and measurable productivity improvements.
M&A & Technology Diligence
Technology due diligence, integration planning, carve-outs, risk assessment, cost synergies and portfolio value creation.
Software & Platform Engineering
Enterprise SaaS, cloud architecture, scalable platforms, eCommerce, mobile experiences and engineering transformation.
Operational Excellence
Execution systems, delivery predictability, cloud cost optimization, engineering KPIs and high-performing team cultures.
Security & Technology Risk
Security governance, software risk, compliance readiness, resilience and pragmatic technology controls.
Career Perspective
Enterprise scale. Entrepreneurial urgency.
Experience shaped by complex platforms, global teams, acquisitions and the constant need to deliver business value.
Retail & eCommerce
Large-scale digital and commerce technology experience with Walmart, eBay and Macy's.
SaaS & Cybersecurity
Enterprise SaaS, cybersecurity, brand protection and platform leadership across MarkMonitor, OpSec Security and CraneNXT.
Private Equity & M&A
Technology due diligence, acquisition support, integration, carve-outs and value creation. Previously worked with PE firms like Investcorp, Onex Partners and Accord Capital Investments.
Product & Strategy
Shaping product vision, market priorities and actionable roadmaps; aligning customer needs, technology investments and go-to-market execution to drive measurable business growth.
Published Author
Execution Is THE Strategy
My book is a no-nonsense reality check on what separates organizations that talk about results from those that consistently deliver them.
Built on decades of technology and leadership experience, the book explores accountability, leadership decisions, execution culture and the habits that move businesses forward.
NAJAF GILLANIEXECUTION
IS THE
STRATEGYA REALITY CHECKExecution Is THE Strategy book cover
IS THE
STRATEGYA REALITY CHECKExecution Is THE Strategy book cover
Let's Start a Conversation
Have a complex challenge?
Let's make progress.
Whether you're building a leadership team, transforming a technology organization, evaluating an acquisition or exploring AI opportunities, I'd welcome a conversation.