Corporate Banking Infrastructure Manager at MUFG

Marco Chavez is a seasoned professional with experience in corporate banking operations and infrastructure. His analytical skills and knowledge of cloud computing technology have helped him become a prominent name in the banking space.

In an interview with CIOReview Latin America, Chavez sheds light on the challenges in the corporate banking sector and emphasizes the role of data centers in setting organizations apart.

Can you walk me through your career journey and current responsibilities? 

I have traversed various IT roles in my two decades of experience, starting from the help desk and now leading infrastructure. During this time, I have gained years of international experience, working with renowned companies like Xerox in the U.S., where I managed infrastructure for clients such as MGM, Nike, and McDonald's.

My journey continued with HP in Mexico overseeing infrastructure projects for major clients like the largest fuel services company in Mexico, Banks, Insurance companies like ING and AXA on this last one I have contracted and worked like Lead on Infrastructure and Operations for Mexico and Latin America leading the migration of Data Centers to the U.S. and migrating Apps from On-premise to the Cloud private and public with IBM and Microsoft in Azure, I also worked for Brinks in Mexico Managing Infrastructure for all the 67 Branches locally.

“One significant challenge we are addressing is the need to establish a contingency data center, which is a crucial aspect of our strategy.”

I joined MUFG three years ago, where I oversee the entire IT infrastructure for the branches in Mexico. This includes managing both hardware and software components, handling Windows, ASP.NET, Unix and Linux systems, database administration, middleware, and overseeing the help desk. I spearheaded the implementation of a private cloud solution—the first for MUFG globally—covering 47 applications critical to the bank's operations.

Can you please walk us through some of the latest projects you have been working on?

At present, my focus is on leading the digital transformation at the bank. The primary steps involve migrating from on-premise to a private cloud. Once everything is on the private cloud and we understand its functionality, we will proceed to different data centers. One significant challenge we are addressing is the need to establish a contingency data center, which is a crucial aspect of our strategy. We are preparing the requirements to facilitate the migration from on-premise to private cloud infrastructure.

What are some of the prospects you are looking forward to in this space?

I am closely monitoring Microsoft's plans to establish a new data center in Mexico. Should this come to fruition, it would provide valuable solutions, especially considering the crucial role of Azure and Office 365 in our infrastructure. Exploring possibilities to align our migration strategy with this development is on our agenda.

How do you envision the future to impact the industry?

As we explore potential collaborations with industry leaders like Microsoft, the forthcoming years present promising opportunities for advancements in the data center space. Understanding their operations and performance expectations, as well as leveraging the benefits they offer, will be crucial in making informed decisions for our future endeavors.

What is your sage advice to fellow peers and aspiring professionals in the industry?

Resiliency and adaptability are important. Success doesn't come without challenges, and meticulous planning, coupled with the ability to navigate unforeseen issues, is key. Stay focused on your objectives, be prepared for the unexpected, and embrace the journey with resilience.