Leadership That
Delivers Results
Executive leadership with decades of hands-on experience in IT strategy, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and cost optimization across highly regulated industries in the GCC.
VDITS is led by experienced CIO, CISO, and digital transformation leaders who have delivered measurable outcomes in mission-critical enterprise environments.
Who We Are
VDITS operates as a lean, expert-led advisory team where every engagement is guided by experienced industry practitioners and supported by a capable delivery team.
Every engagement is led directly by experienced practitioners who have held the roles our clients depend on — CIOs, CISOs, and digital transformation leaders.
This ensures practical decision-making, executive-level insight, and measurable business outcomes.
Faisal Manzar Malik
Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Senior IT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation executive with 25+ years of leadership experience across energy, industrial, government, and regulated sectors in the GCC.
Former Chief Information Security Officer and Head of IT Strategy, Planning & Services at Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery (SASREF), where he established enterprise cybersecurity capabilities, implemented international standards, and led major digital transformation initiatives.
Faisal is a recognized leader in IT cost optimization, industrial cybersecurity, and enterprise technology governance, helping organizations align technology investments with business value.
Areas of Expertise
- Industrial & OT Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Leadership & Risk Management
- IT Strategy & Governance
- Digital Transformation & Technology Modernization
- IT Cost Optimization & Value Management
- Enterprise Performance & Executive Dashboards
Industry Engagement
Speaker and advisor on:
- •Industrial & OT Cybersecurity
- •AI in critical infrastructure
- •IT cost optimization strategies
- •Cybersecurity governance and digital transformation
Major Certifications
Internationally recognized certifications spanning cybersecurity, audit, and program leadership — earned and maintained across 25+ years of practice.
Strategic Cybersecurity Leadership
- GSTRT – Strategic Planning, Policy & Leadership (SANS)
- GICSP – Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (SANS)
Cybersecurity Leadership & Architecture
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Security Audit, Governance & Compliance
- CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor
- GSNA – GIAC Systems & Network Auditor (SANS)
Cybersecurity Operations & Incident Response
- ECIH – Certified Incident Handler (EC-Council)
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker (EC-Council)
- CHFI – Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (EC-Council)
Program & Transformation Leadership
- PMP – Project Management Professional
Key Achievements
Established and led enterprise Cybersecurity (CISO) and IT Strategy functions in a large industrial organization, building governance, risk management, and operational security capabilities from the ground up.
Elevated cybersecurity maturity levels across IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments, strengthening resilience against evolving cyber threats and aligning with global frameworks such as NIST CSF and ISA/IEC 62443.
Successfully achieved ISO 27001 (Information Security) and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity) certifications, establishing robust governance, audit readiness, and operational resilience.
Delivered over USD 9 million in cost savings and cost avoidance through IT cost optimization, vendor negotiations, outsourcing strategies, and technology rationalization.
Reduced IT cost per user from approximately USD 13.3K to below USD 10K while improving service quality, efficiency, and infrastructure resilience.
Contributed to winning the Saudi Aramco Cybersecurity Excellence Award for two consecutive years, recognizing industry-leading cybersecurity governance and operational maturity.
Designed and executed enterprise IT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation roadmaps, enabling innovation, operational efficiency, and strong business alignment.
Implemented enterprise KPI frameworks and executive dashboards using Power BI and SAP Analytics Cloud, enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making.
Built internal cybersecurity and digital capabilities by developing Saudi talent and reducing dependency on external consultants.
Recognized industry leader with multiple cybersecurity and technology leadership awards across GCC regulated environments.
Enterprise Programs Led by VDITS Founder
Major enterprise initiatives delivered across cybersecurity, digital transformation, and IT strategy in large industrial and regulated environments.
Enterprise Cybersecurity Transformation & Maturity Program
Established and led the organization's cybersecurity function from the ground up, implementing governance frameworks, policies, and operational controls aligned with NIST Cybersecurity Framework and international standards.
Key Outcomes
- Significant uplift in cybersecurity maturity across IT and OT environments
- Strengthened protection of critical infrastructure systems
- Industry recognition including Saudi Aramco Cybersecurity Excellence Awards
ISO 27001 & ISO 22301 Certification Program
Led the implementation of Information Security Management System (ISMS) and Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) frameworks.
Key Outcomes
- Successful certification for ISO 27001 and ISO 22301
- Strong governance, audit readiness, and operational resilience
- Zero critical findings in external audits
IT Cost Optimization & Value Management Program
Executed a multi-year IT cost optimization strategy covering infrastructure, vendor contracts, outsourcing, and technology rationalization.
Key Outcomes
- IT cost per user reduced from ~USD 13.3K to below USD 10K
- Over USD 9M cost savings and cost avoidance
- Improved service quality and operational efficiency
Enterprise Data, KPIs & Executive Dashboards
Designed and implemented enterprise performance measurement frameworks and executive dashboards.
Key Outcomes
- Enterprise KPI framework aligned with business strategy
- Executive dashboards using Power BI and SAP Analytics Cloud
- Data-driven decision making for senior leadership
Digital Transformation & Innovation Initiatives
Led multiple digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and innovation.
Key Outcomes
- Process automation and workflow digitization
- Implementation of SAP Fieldglass and Digital Boardroom solutions
- Adoption of emerging technologies including RPA and industrial wireless solutions
Our Leadership
Principles
These are not slogans. They are the operating standards that guide how we work with clients.
Vendor-Neutral Independence
Our advice is objective and aligned solely with client interests.
Execution Over Theory
We focus on practical execution and measurable outcomes.
Board-Ready Thinking
Every engagement is structured for executive and board-level visibility.
Knowledge Transfer
We build internal capability so organizations become stronger and more independent.
Advisory Board
Strategic Advisory Council
VDITS collaborates with a network of senior CIOs, CISOs, and industry leaders who provide strategic guidance and independent perspectives across governance, risk management, and enterprise technology transformation.
Work With Senior Leaders
No account managers. No junior proxies. Engage directly with experienced leaders who will guide and deliver your transformation initiatives.