Ostra Cybersecurity Expands Senior Leadership Team

Ostra Cybersecurity, a leading provider of world-class cybersecurity solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, recently welcomed Emad Bhatt as Vice President Information Technology. This latest hire speaks to Ostra’s significant expansion as a company, as well as the development of its Technology Services team—allowing us to provide more robust protections to an increasing number of clients.

Previously, Ostra Founder Michael Kennedy led many of the security operations responsibilities for the company. Having a new, dedicated leader who is laser-focused on technology and security operations will allow Kennedy to devote more time to his executive responsibilities and other initiatives as a visionary leader in the cybersecurity industry. By adding Emad to the Senior Leadership Team, Ostra further demonstrates its resolve to help consultants, IT and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) protect their clients through best-in-class, multi-layered, fully managed cybersecurity solutions.

In this key leadership role, Emad provides hands-on guidance to drive an effective, engaged and motivated team for Ostra’s growing Technology Services. He is responsible for IT Strategy, Roadmap, Product Development, setting, implementing, and providing nonstop evaluation of consistent standards for IT Architecture, Engineering, Security Operations Center and support systems that protect Ostra’s clients.

With a focus on being the Trusted Cybersecurity Team for its clients and partners, Ostra’s market niche is ensuring that top-notch data security solutions are accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. Ostra’s technology suite—combined with the service expertise of its channel partners—delivers a comprehensive solution that addresses a unique set of specialized IT challenges for businesses.

Emad’s expertise in strategic leadership and business/technology transformation, combined with his impressive background in Information Security Solution Architecture, are just a few strengths that make him a valuable leader and subject matter expert at Ostra

Previously, Emad led the Global M&A Architecture Team at UnitedHealth Group (Optum), where he worked with complex M&A integrations for almost a decade. During this time Emad enjoyed becoming a close colleague of Ostra’s founder, Michael Kennedy. The experience not only provided many opportunities for collaboration, but also laid the foundation for what later prompted Kennedy to launch Ostra as a Fortune 100-caliber cybersecurity service that’s accessible to SMBs.

“In addition to working together at Optum, Emad and I have been good friends for several years and there is no one whose technical expertise I respect more,” Michael said. “Bringing his expertise and leadership skills to the team takes Ostra to a whole new level in our ability to fight the war on cyber terror.”

Emad earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Computer Science) from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in India. He also maintains his accreditation in Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security) and completed his Program for Accelerated Capability Enhancement (PACE) from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

In his new role at Ostra, Emad is excited to empower the team to drive business transformation and strategic growth. “I have a passion for building cutting-edge technology—particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, digital innovation, and new product development,” Emad said. “Here at Ostra, I am thrilled to be in the position to help others maximize the value of their investment in cybersecurity.”

Connect with Emad on LinkedIn, or email him at emad@ostra.net