Andy Grzess
Cybersecurity Strategist | vCISO | Solutions Architect | Pre-Sales Leader
About Me
I’m a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 25 years of hands-on experience helping global organizations bridge the gap between business strategy and technical resilience. From leading security operations and managing risk frameworks to evangelizing next-gen SOC capabilities, I bring a unique blend of deep technical knowledge and executive-level perspective to every engagement.
As a former CTO, vCISO, and Senior Solutions Architect, I’ve worked with leading MSSPs, Fortune 500 companies, and technology vendors to deliver scalable, cloud-ready security solutions. I specialize in turning complexity into clarity—whether it’s aligning security strategies with business outcomes, building customer trust, or enabling secure digital transformation.
Core Competencies
- Security Architecture: SIEM, SOAR, MDR, XDR, EDR, HIDS/NIDS
- Cloud & Data Security: AWS, Azure, ONTAP, SaaS, ransomware protection
- Governance & Risk: vCISO, NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOC 2
- Pre-Sales & Enablement: Technical presentations, RFPs, customer success
- Incident Response: Threat intelligence, automation, tabletop exercises
- Leadership: Cross-functional training, customer evangelism, solution storytelling
Notable Roles
- NetApp – Senior Cloud Solutions Architect (2025–Present)
- ReliaQuest – Solutions Engineer, EMEA (2023–Present)
- Smarttech247 – CTO & CIO / vCISO (2019–2023)
- AT&T / AlienVault – Senior Solutions Architect & SOC Evangelist (2016–2019)
- FireEye – Technical Pre-Sales Lead, EMEA (2014–2016)
- VMware – Senior Engineer & Escalation Partner (2007–2013)
Career Highlights
Leading Through Cyber Complexity
At Smarttech247, I architected and launched VisionX, an AI-driven XDR platform adopted across sectors including finance, pharma, and manufacturing. I integrated MITRE ATT&CK, NIST, and ISO frameworks into real-time operations while supporting over 20 enterprise SOCs.
Driving Trusted Outcomes at Scale
At NetApp, I help enterprises secure, govern, and protect data in hybrid environments. My role involves guiding ransomware defense strategy, enabling global sales teams, and advising customers on secure architecture across ONTAP and cloud-native stacks.
Building Security Maturity
Throughout my career, I’ve guided organizations through the cybersecurity maturity journey—from basic compliance to full threat-informed defense. I frequently deliver workshops and talks, helping stakeholders turn frameworks like NIST into living practices.
Let’s Work Together
Whether you’re building a SOC, migrating to the cloud, or advancing cyber resilience, I’d be happy to help.
📧 andy@andygresh.com