Somu Thiru
Plainfield
Summary
Dynamic IT program manager with over 20 years of experience in leading complex projects. Certified Scrum Master and PMP, recognized for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. Expertise includes managing multimillion-dollar global programs, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving successful digital transformations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Agile Program Manager
Trustmark Benefits
11.2023 - Current
- Managed multiple projects in digital transformation program, coordinating efforts across vendors including Microsoft, HCL, IBM, Hexaware, and Cognizant for Voluntary Benefits business.
- Led Microsoft Dynamics remediation project to resolve data quality issues in contact, policy, and billing modules, improving data flow from source systems to ETL and Dynamics for cleaner data access by call center representatives. ADO was used for managing the project.
- Developed Unified Connect Layer to strengthen middle layer for API and Java microservices consumption, improving pipeline efficiency and backend connections.
Agile Delivery Leader (Web and Mobile)
WALGREENS
Chicago
06.2019 - 10.2023
- Led omni-channel program with multiple agile teams for digital product portfolio (digital value coupons, weekly ads, dynamic placements) on Adobe Target platform.
- Led the overall planning and delivery of value products through PI planning and agile methodology.
- Managed and coached 3 Agile teams of 10 to 12 members each to keep agile manifesto and key ceremonies.
- Worked with key stakeholders to develop OKRs (Objectives & Key Results).
- Ensured alignment with business on Minimum Viable Product to reap the benefits early.
- Resolved impediments at POD and ART level.
- Represented the team in Program Increment (PI) planning, Coach Sync Up and Management review meetings.
- Maintained the program financials of $5MM for two PIs (six months).
- Worked with Engineering teams for architecture and technology decisions.
- Maintained enterprise level Release management processes.
- Until Aug 2022, managed the migration of data center assets for 200+ applications to Azure Cloud.
- Coordinated simultaneous migration of 6 data center assets for over 200 applications to Azure Cloud.
Senior Program Manager
DISCOVER BANK
Chicago
07.2015 - 05.2019
- Managed the second phase of a $25 MM 3-year Anti Money Laundering Program for Discover Financial Services which included the integration of a vended product with Java/Teradata and migration of aggregated alerts to ACTIMIZE CASE Management tool.
- Managed the AML testing team (size of 25+) including Business/IT Project Managers.
- Managed a team of 12 testers to conduct System Integration testing and 4 testers to coordinate with Business stakeholders and help them to do User Acceptance Testing and postproduction validation.
- Delivery of medium to extra-large projects in time and budget Actimize Workflow transformation.
- Identified implementation issues between documented processes and actual operations, facilitating targeted improvements.
- Analyzed the Pros and Cons of Agile methodology, recommended, implemented and transformed the AML business function to more efficient and cost-effective a more efficient and cost-effective delivery process.
- Negotiated project priorities with business units and coordinated with IT managers to schedule deliveries using JIRA.
- Used Clarity, Jira, and Rally in project management. Published weekly progress to Business and IT leaders.
- Monitored AML rules by maintaining alert thresholds, ensuring compliance and timely response to potential risks.
Program Manager
ALL STATE INSURANCE
Chicago
03.2014 - 06.2015
- Oversaw $3 MM program to implement SAP’s Business, Planning and Consolidations (BPC) for NetWeaver module within Allstate’s SAP framework, focusing on installation of BPC on SAP’s HANA hardware.
- Led $1 MM program to automate operations in policy administration, facilitating upload of standardized audit requirement templates to corporate office for tracking and closure.
- $1 MM program in 8 months with 20 resources to migrate IBNR from legacy mainframe to SAP CF. This was a troubled project taken over in the middle of the life cycle and turned around to meet the planned schedule.
- Key programs managed: Managed $800k program in 6 months with 20 resources to sunset Siebel Case Tool and transition HR compensation to SAP CRM.
Senior Program/Portfolio Manager
CAPITAL ONE
Chicago
02.2008 - 02.2014
- Managed a portfolio level IT budget of $120 MM in 4 major and 8 minor releases.
- Led change management initiatives, overseeing four major and eight minor releases within a year to ensure smooth transitions.
- Established periodic portfolio level metrics for approximately 300 projects to enhance visibility and tracking of project performance.
- Developed and managed Annual Operating Plan in collaboration with SVPs of Business & Retail Services CIO to align strategic goals.
- Ensured IT support costs were effectively managed to stay under 15% of the overall IT budget.
- Designed and implemented a process to swap current active projects to a new project.
- Mentored PMs and BAs on project management, demand/delivery processes and tools.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Marketing & Finance
MADURAI KAMARAJ UNIVERSITY
Tamil Nadu, India01-1995
Bachelor of Engineering - Electronics & Instrumentation
ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY
Tamil Nadu, India01-1981
Skills
- Agile & Scrum Methodologies
- Program and Project Management
- Release Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk management
- Financial oversight
- Vendor Management
- Change Management
- PMO oversight
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership mentorship
- Communication & Presentation
Certification
- Safe 6.0 Certified Scrum Master, 51440024-4219, 10/27/26
- SAP Certified HANA Consultant, S001158164
- PMP Certified, 2001 – Present
- Scrum Fundamentals Certified
Timeline
Sr. Agile Program Manager
Trustmark Benefits
11.2023 - Current
Agile Delivery Leader (Web and Mobile)
WALGREENS
06.2019 - 10.2023
Senior Program Manager
DISCOVER BANK
07.2015 - 05.2019
Program Manager
ALL STATE INSURANCE
03.2014 - 06.2015
Senior Program/Portfolio Manager
CAPITAL ONE
02.2008 - 02.2014
Master of Business Administration - Marketing & Finance
MADURAI KAMARAJ UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Engineering - Electronics & Instrumentation
ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY