John Polischak is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and business process optimization. With a career spanning global technology leaders like Lenovo and IBM, John has built a reputation for driving strategic initiatives, optimizing complex systems, and spearheading transformative security solutions. His ability to align business objectives with technological advancements has made him a valuable leader in the tech industry.
As Lead Global Process Owner at Lenovo, John revolutionized procurement policies and procedures, ensuring a compliance-focused, standardized global approach. His leadership in vendor relationship management and cross-functional collaboration drove efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. A significant highlight of his tenure was designing and implementing a revenue-generating tool for refurbished inventory, which streamlined operations and contributed to Lenovo’s bottom line.
Prior to this role, John served as Primary Security Engineer at Lenovo, where he played a pivotal role in launching ThinkShield, a globally recognized security brand. Under his leadership, Lenovo introduced cutting-edge solutions, including blockchain-based supply chain tracking, cloud security initiatives, and tamper-proofing for over 20 million devices. During this period, John was also actively involved in exploring and implementing AI use cases and edge device development, further expanding Lenovo’s technological capabilities. His ability to blend cybersecurity expertise with emerging technologies and business strategy established Lenovo as a leader in enterprise security solutions.
John’s deep technical expertise was further honed in his role as Chromebook Advisory Engineer, where he developed and executed Lenovo’s Chrome OS strategy, securing 30% market share for the division. His efforts in product optimization, international collaboration, and customer feedback integration helped shape a seamless user experience, boosting customer satisfaction and market expansion.
As Site Infrastructure Senior Engineer, John led a global team supporting Lenovo’s Senior Leadership, optimizing IT services and network infrastructure. His innovative cost-saving solutions, such as a $500K annual reduction in IT expenses and a $1M savings in R&D lab migration, demonstrated his ability to deliver financial and operational efficiency. His expertise in network architecture and infrastructure design was instrumental in ensuring seamless transitions and securing executive support systems.
Before joining Lenovo, John spent eight years at IBM as a Senior Network Administrator, where he managed IT governance processes, disaster recovery, and network security implementations. His hands-on approach in troubleshooting, system performance optimization, and infrastructure design set the foundation for his future leadership roles in the industry.
John’s contributions to the tech industry extend beyond corporate roles. He holds two patents related to cybersecurity and digital assistant command security:
“Ignoring Command Sources at a Digital Assistant” (US 11,302,322) – addressing AI command filtering for enhanced security.
“System and Method for Equipment Security Cable Lock Interface” (US 006/0107,073) – pioneering secure hardware protection mechanisms.
His commitment to continuous innovation is further reflected in his publications on TPM chip security, conference presentations, and strategic leadership in enterprise security discussions. He has actively participated in customer demos, board presentations, and industry conferences, sharing his insights on IT security, infrastructure, AI implementation, and cloud computing.
John’s global experience has given him a unique perspective on international business and technology deployment. His expertise in navigating complex, cross-border projects and aligning technological innovations with diverse market needs makes him an asset to any board or advisory panel. His leadership extends beyond business, with a strong commitment to economic empowerment, education, disaster relief, science, and social services.
With a Technical Degree in Computers from ECPI University, where he achieved a 4.0 GPA in Information Security, John combines academic excellence with practical experience. His professional ethos is rooted in the belief that technology should not only serve present needs but also anticipate future challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and security in an increasingly digital world.
Character:
John is a resilient and visionary leader, consistently demonstrating integrity, innovation, and a commitment to technological excellence. His ability to adapt to industry shifts while maintaining a strategic focus makes him a trusted professional in high-stakes environments.
Knowledge:
With expertise spanning cloud computing, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and business process optimization, John is a recognized authority in enterprise security solutions. His patents, publications, and industry leadership further solidify his technical and strategic acumen.
Strategic:
John possesses a keen ability to align technology with business goals, ensuring efficiency, security, and profitability. His track record of launching global initiatives, securing multimillion-dollar cost savings, and enhancing operational processes reflects his strategic leadership.
Communication:
John is a skilled communicator, excelling in cross-functional collaboration, vendor negotiations, and board-level presentations. His ability to articulate complex technical concepts in business terms makes him an invaluable asset to executive teams and stakeholders.
