Tag : OZ digital

By Nikki Cabus

OZ Digital introduces two new SVP hires amid growth

OZ Digital Consulting announces their two new SVP hires – Jason Milgram and Steve Bakanov..

The South Florida-based company leverages modern technologies that empower businesses to digitally transform and accelerate growth globally.

JASON MILGRIM

Jason will be Oz’s first ever Senior Vice President responsible for the Azure Cloud Ops practice.

“For more than a quarter century, OZ has been about innovating from our core principles,” OZ CEO Amjad Shamim says.

“Which is to say, we evolve constantly, focus on outcomes, and pursue and celebrate success as a team. In this, Jason is a kindred spirit. From successfully leading the launch of SaaS, PaaS, B2B, and B2C solutions in complex global, hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge environments to earning recognition from industry leaders such as Microsoft—where he received the Microsoft Azure MVP award thirteen times and co-authored the Azure Strategy and Implementation Guide—Jason lives those OZ core values. I am very excited to see the future we build together.”

In his new role as SVP, Azure Leader, Milgram will, in partnership with the OZ R&D team, establish the Azure Technical Architecture vision, define architectural standards, and collaborate with technology practices to deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients, alongside an Azure Cloud Operations technology practice.

The goal: Fully leveraging current and emerging technology products by Microsoft—and channeling those capabilities into even more innovative products and services.

“This is a pivotal role as OZ continues to seek the leading edge of innovation—and Jason is the perfect fit,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer Manny Ramos adds. “With over 25 years of industry experience, Jason brings not only a wealth of knowledge and a future-focused mindset to our practice but also a real track record of transformative leadership.”

As an Industry Chief Technology Officer at Hitachi Solutions America, Milgram most recently spearheaded pre-sales and delivery strategies for the financial services industry. His role encompassed innovation, marketing, and security/compliance for Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform.

Milgram’s expertise extends to federal projects as well, having served as the Chief Architect for the U.S. Department of Interior – Inspectors General, where he conceptualized and implemented a cloud data analytics platform for auditing federal funding. His leadership roles at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), City National Bank of Florida, and Champion Solutions Group have further demonstrated his ability to drive strategic change, architect solutions, and foster partnerships.

Milgram is a prolific speaker, mentor, and author, with numerous publications on cloud strategy and implementation.

“I first met OZ Founder and CEO Amjad Shamim fifteen years ago while we both were speaking at the same conference,” Milgram says. “It’s amazing to finally be working together—and in such an exciting role. I’m very much looking forward to placing the technical skillset I’ve been honing since I bought a Timex/Sinclair 1000 in sixth grade and taught myself basic programming at the disposal of OZ, a company I’ve long admired on the forefront of the digital transformation revolution.”

STEVE BAKANOV

As OZ’s new SVP of Digital, Steve is focused on the future of digital innovation.

“It’s very exciting to introduce such dynamic talent to the OZ leadership team,” OZ Chief Solutions Officer Emmanuel Ramos said.

“Steve brings a wealth of experience in strategic technology leadership and business growth, with a focus on driving digital transformation. His journey has seen him excel in impactful roles, contributing significantly to his teams and organizations.”

Throughout more than a quarter century working in technology and digital engagement strategy, Steve Bakanov has built a skillset encompassing a broad spectrum of domains—cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data analytics, business intelligence—and industries ranging from financial services, pharmaceutical, and insurance to healthcare, manufacturing, and government.

Bakanov’s leadership positions have included Global Technology, Strategy, and Applications Leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Global Senior Applications, Automation, and DevOps Leader at Deloitte. Further, working with Fortune 500 companies, including Pfizer, Aflac, SAP, IBM, Microsoft, Cigna, ABB, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CareFirst, USA Mutual Insurance, Liberty Mutual, Hartford, Deloitte, and AWS, Bakanov drove digital transformation and deliver innovative solutions to address complex business challenges.

Bakanov holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science, and a PhD in business administration.

“I am thrilled to join OZ because of the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence,” Bakanov says. “OZ’s core philosophy—which emphasizes a culture of creativity, disciplined approaches, and a ‘can do’ attitude—aligns perfectly with my own values and professional aspirations.”

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

Just this year, Oz Digital Consulting celebrated their 25th anniversary and welcomed the community into their new Ft. Lauderdale office space.

Founded on the belief that modern technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics can accelerate business performance, OZ has grown into a global digital technology consultancy trusted as a software delivery & development partner leading innovation for business acceleration.

The company which currently has over 300 employees has been growing quickly. In a time where good talent is hard to retain, OZ Digital prides itself in the ability to attract and retain high-level talent – some over 20 years. This allows them to build strong relationships with their clients.

Amjad Shamim, Co-Founder & CEO of OZ, has shared that “OZ Digital Consulting has a customer retention rate of around 90%, which is much higher than average for services firms.”

To learn more about OZ Digital Consulting, visit https://followoz.com/