Fernando Escobar
Miami, FL, USA
fernesco@icloud.com +1 (305) 227-9916
linkedin.com/in/fernesco
Summary
Highly accomplished IT infrastructure leader with extensive experience in Cloud Computing and IT infrastructure management. Specializes in Architecture Frameworks for Sovereign Clouds and Hyperscalers, applying TOGAF Principles and Best Practices to deliver robust solutions. Proven leadership in managing IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability and optimal performance. Demonstrated expertise in implementing robust cybersecurity measures and compliance standards. Excels in strategic planning, team leadership, and detailed execution.
With over 18 years deeply immersed in VMware’s portfolio and more than 25 years of IT industry experience across diverse segments, I have developed a profound understanding of complex IT challenges. This extensive background has established me as a Trusted Advisor, adept at delivering strategic guidance and innovative solutions to drive business success. My expertise in crafting high-level Architecture Designs and influencing Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies ensures alignment with the Multi-Cloud Computing Market. I played a crucial role in the growth of the VMware Cloud Provider Program (VCPP), helping it achieve a milestone of $1 billion in worldwide sales after 10 years in the marketplace. During my tenure of over five years overseeing the LATAM region, the VCPP program contributed to 24% of VMware’s total Sales in the LATAM region. Highly focused on offering professional services, I successfully closed direct deals worth over US$ 25 million in Professional Services (PSO) in LATAM and US$ 75 million in the Federal space.
Experience
Founder & Chief Technology Officer, CTO
CTO xLabs (www.CTOxLabs.com)
Oct 2024 – Present (7 months)
Led technology strategy and vision at CTO xLabs, ensuring successful product development and delivery.
Managed Multicloud computing infrastructure and vendor partnerships for scaling and growth. Implemented Cybersecurity and compliance measures to enhance internal security posture.
Advisory Board Member
CTO xLabs (www.CTOxLabs.com)
Oct 2024 – Present (7 months)
Provided strategic guidance on multicloud architecture, risk management, and compliance for CTO xLabs in Miami, Florida.
Advised on scaling and growth strategy, product and service development, networking, and industry connections.
Supported in mergers and acquisitions, risk and performance monitoring, customer experience, and board governance.
Principal Cloud Solutions Architect – Financial Services, Federal/SLED & Strategic Cloud Providers
VMware by Broadcom (www.VMware.com)
Oct 2016 – Sep 2024 (8 years)
Led Cloud Transformation Projects for Strategic Accounts in the Financial Services Industry & US Federal/SLED markets, ensuring agility and security.
Developed high-level designs based on custom technical architecture sessions, shaping product features and providing technical guidance.
Incubated & Evangelized the VMware Cloud Service Provider Program (VCPP), focused on developing, designing, and architecting multicloud and hybrid cloud architectures.
Trusted Advisor in Cloud Solutions Architecture and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies for the Cloud Service Providers market.
Responsible for delivering in-depth technical product overviews, roadmaps, prescriptive guidance, and architectural vision to Cloud Service Providers (CSPs).
As a Global Field Principal within the VMware’s Office of the CTO, I served as a beacon of technical leadership, driving collaboration with strategic customers and partners. My contributions to shaping product features, establishing best practices, and providing prescriptive technical guidance highlight my role in advancing the adoption of the VCF portfolio within complex cloud computing environments. Adhering to VMware Cloud Well-Architected Framework and Cloud Computing Operating Model principles, I have been deeply involved in technical deep dives and roadmap generation, demonstrating my commitment to technical excellence and product innovation.
Key customers include FSI customers such as FISERV, Freddie Mac, TRUIST Bank, Regions Bank, and Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), among others; Federal entities such as IRS, Department of Defense, and Department of State; while Strategic Cloud Providers encompass America Móvil, Telmex,
Claro, Telefonica, Millicom (TIGO), KIO Networks, AXTEL/Alestra, Octapus, GBM, Liberty/Columbus
Networks, Lumen Technologies/Century Link, IFX Networks, GTD, ETB, Compunet, Internexa, ASIC, Carvajal, O4IT, ADN, ICE, SONDA, TSTT, CloudCarib, CNT, Telconet, Puntonet, ANTEL, ENTEL, Equinix, and many others.
Founder & Chief Technology Officer, CTO ITCS, The Cloud Computing Specialists!
Jul 2006 – Oct 2016 (10 years 4 months)
Managed architecture, design, and technical roadmaps for over 100 key accounts, negotiating with Clevel executives across various vertical markets, including Banking and Financial Institutions. Established the Professional Services Organization (PSO) business unit, providing a comprehensive portfolio of services throughout the Virtual Data Center Platform lifecycle, forming alliances with regional OEM partners and software/hardware vendors.
Developed Professional Services-related bundles, boosting Data Center Consultancy sales across various vertical markets, and managed architecture design & project management for CxO-level clients, leading cloud and virtualization projects.
IT Infrastructure Manager
INTCOMEX (https://www.intcomex.com/en/)
Jan 1998 – Jun 2006 (8 years 6 months)
Enhanced Data Center Infrastructure by migrating physical servers to a virtual platform, reducing operational costs by 40% and improving system efficiency.
Deployed a Computer Parts Distribution-oriented ERP system, enhancing operational efficiency and data management.
Developed and successfully deployed a Product Content Manager for web environments, improving content management across multiple countries.
Deployed Lotus Notes-based mail system across multiple countries.
Implemented an ETL solution for the company, optimizing data processing and improving overall efficiency.
IT Infrastructure Manager
CENTELSA by Nexans (https://www.nexans.co/en/)
Mar 1989 – Jun 1997 (8 years 4 months)
Managed the Data Center Infrastructure Platform, ensuring 24/7 operations and high availability, resulting in a 25% increase in system uptime.
Oversaw the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and SCADA system, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime by 25%.
Implemented robust infrastructure solutions, improving system performance and reducing operational costs by 40%.
University Professor
Universidad ICESI (https://www.icesi.edu.co/)
Jul 1993 – Jun 1996 (3 years)
Developed and delivered high-quality instruction in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Compiler Theory, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
Created comprehensive course materials and curricula, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Led classroom discussions, assessed student performance, and provided academic guidance, contributing to academic scholarship and departmental initiatives.
Education
Purdue University
Specialization, Generative AI (genAI)
2025 – 2025
Artificial Intelligence
Wharton Executive Education
Master, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
2022 – 2023
Simplilearn
Master, Cloud Architect
2024 – 2025
Hyperscalers – Cloud Computing
Global Knowledge
Certification, TOGAF
2018 – 2019
University of Florida
Certification, PMP (PMI)
2006 – 2006
Strategic Project Management
Penn State University
Master of Science, Strategic Management
1996 – 1997
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Master of Science, Management Information Systems (MIS)
1993 – 1995
Universidad ICESI
Bachelor of Science, Systems Engineering
1986 – 1991
Magna Cum Laude
Licenses & Certifications
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Program – Wharton Executive Education
TOGAF® Certification Program – Global Knowledge
VMware Certified Implementation Expert – Data Center Virtualization VCIX-DCV 2021
VMware Certified Advanced Professional VCAP 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization Deploy VCAP-DCV Deploy 2021
VMware Certified Advanced Professional VCAP 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization Design VCAP-DCV Design 2021
VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization VCP-DCV 2021 | VCP-DCV 2020 | VCP-DCV 2019
VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud on AWS VMC-AWS
VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Provider VMware Specialist Cloud Provider 2019
VMware Expert VMware vExpert – VMware vExpert Cloud Provider 2016-2024
Skills
Cloud Computing • Server Virtualization • Data Center Virtualization • Disaster Recovery • Architecture
• Infrastructure • Private Cloud • Hybrid Cloud • Multi-Cloud • Hyperscalers