U.S. Army Veteran Georgeo Pulikkathara Brings Leadership to iMerit as CIO & CISO
Georgeo Pulikkathara's New Role at iMerit
In a significant move, iMerit has announced the appointment of Colonel Georgeo Xavier Pulikkathara as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With over 34 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Georgeo's unique background and extensive qualifications position him to play a vital role in enhancing iMerit’s operations in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape.
Georgeo, a distinguished U.S. Army veteran, will be pivotal in steering the company's technological strategies while ensuring the security and integrity of client data. His impressive career spans various sectors, from banking and healthcare to IT and defense, highlighting his versatility and expertise. As the founder of GXP Security and currently serving as the CIO and CISO for the 81st Readiness Division in the Army Reserve, he oversees IT operations that cater to 50,000 soldiers and civilians across multiple states, underscoring his ability to manage complex systems effectively.
The breadth of Georgeo's experience includes strategic positions at well-known companies such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, and the U.S. Army. His dedication has earned him two Bronze Star honors, a testament to his commitment and performance under pressure in high-stakes environments. Academically, he holds a Ph.D. candidacy in Cybersecurity from National University, an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a BBA from the University of Houston. Additionally, his professional certifications, such as CISSP, CISM, and PMP, among others, further validate his industry standing.
According to Radha R. Basu, CEO of iMerit, Georgeo's extensive history and knowledge in securing intricate information ecosystems will significantly bolster iMerit's commitment to serving clients in increasingly regulated sectors. His leadership approach will amplify the organization's focus on data integrity and cultivate deeper client trust—crucial elements in the realm of safe AI innovation.
In an age where data security is paramount, iMerit's investment in this area reflects its dedication to maintaining international security standards, including SOC2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and TISAX. Georgeo's role will involve driving next-generation security practices across various mission-critical industries, promoting an environment that prioritizes data security in a fast-paced global market.
"I find great value in iMerit's commitment to data security in a fast-moving global world of AI. A proactive stance ensures both compliance and trust, paving the way for responsible AI innovation," Georgeo stated. He expressed enthusiasm for leveraging iMerit’s global distributed footprint to integrate IT and security best practices, ultimately benefiting their most discerning clients.
Overall, Georgeo Pulikkathara's appointment as CIO and CISO represents a strategic leap for iMerit, aligning the company with heightened security expectations and innovative data practices. This leadership transition aims to fortify the firm’s position as a premier provider of high-quality data that powers advanced machine learning and AI models globally, reinforcing trust and ethical standards in the evolving AI ecosystem. iMerit, backed by prominent investors such as Khosla Ventures and British International Investment, continues to fuel advancement in industries reliant on AI technologies, aiming to deliver trusted and scalable solutions.