Vinod Paul

With over 20 years of extensive experience in financial services and technology, Vinod Paul serves in the role of Chief Operating Officer at Align. As COO, Vinod is responsible for spearheading the strategic development of Align's Managed Services offerings, including overseeing Align Cybersecurity™, a comprehensive solution for cybersecurity risk management. Additionally, Vinod plays a pivotal role in nurturing senior client relationships within the alternative asset management community, offering ongoing guidance on industry best practices and emerging trends in Managed Services.

Renowned as an influential figure in the financial services sector, Vinod previously held leadership positions at ECI, a prominent global provider of Managed IT Services. During his 13-year tenure as Managing Director, he led customer-facing engagements, focusing on service delivery and business development on a global scale. Under his guidance, ECI solidified its position as a premier Managed Service provider in the financial services realm, expanding its operations into Europe and Asia. Prior to this, Vinod served as a director of technical services at Martin Progressive, where he oversaw an engineering team supporting 6,000 customers. He also worked as a management and engineering consultant for esteemed organizations such as IBM Global Services, Lucent Technologies, Tyco Submarine Systems, and Penguin Putnam Publishing.

Vinod has demonstrated his expertise through numerous placements in industry-relevant publications such as Forbes, Channel Futures, Hedgeweek, and Private Equity Wire. As an active speaker in the fields of managed services leadership, cybersecurity, financial services, and technology, Vinod has been recognized and celebrated for his contributions. In 2022, he received the honor of being included in Channel Futures' Most Influential MSP leaders of 2022 List. Vinod actively contributes to the client advisory boards of two cybersecurity firms, Adlumin and Cavelo. He also participates as a member in the exclusive Cybersecurity MSP Peer Group, a community facilitated by Channel Futures. Moreover, Vinod is a member of The Channel Co's CRN Inclusive Channel Leadership Network (ILN), a community dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the IT channel and tech industry.

Vinod pursued his education in Biological Sciences at Rutgers University, and he actively engages with various charitable associations. He has served on the global board of directors for Help for Children/Hedge Funds Care, a worldwide nonprofit committed to preventing and treating child abuse. Currently, Vinod continues to serve as technology advisor for the organization. He also serves as a board technology advisor to MercyFirst, a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been providing support to children and families in need since 1894.