Marcio Parente

Coding since 1988. IT professional since 2000. Book author since 2024.

About Marcio Parente

I am driven by a vision to shape a better world through technology and creativity.
I strive to craft meaningful digital experiences and elegant software that empower others.
My passion for photography, rock climbing, and coding fuels my curiosity and inspires me to reach new heights—both in life and in every project I undertake.

I was born in Porto, Portugal and currently living in Zug, Switzerland.

My career is defined by a blend of technical depth and strategic vision, driving impactful solutions in governance, automation, and enterprise architectures. Whether diving deep into serverless environments or designing future-proof systems, I thrive in delivering excellence and innovation.

I have gained my knowledgeable as an IT expert over two decades of experience in software product delivery, and I have always had a strong interest in developing high-quality software and remaining up to date on the latest technological developments. Because of my extensive knowledge in serverless cloud architectures as well as continuous delivery pipelines, I am an invaluable asset to any team.

But my interests go much beyond what I do for a living. In addition to this, I have the spirit of an explorer and the ability to fly at an altitude of 10,000 metres and dive to a depth of 100 metres. Even in the frenetic environment of the information technology industry, I can keep a level head and keep my attention focused on the work at hand because to the adventurous spirit that I have. This has been very beneficial to me in my professional life.

I consider myself to be a natural leader, and as such, I am always seeking for new ways to disrupt the status quo and take on additional duties. Because of my strong interpersonal skills and my ability to connect effectively with people at all levels, I have been able to achieve a great deal of professional success thus far in my career.

I am motivated by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and the want to better myself at all times, and I am always seeking for fresh problems to solve. I am constantly motivated to challenge myself to reach new heights and accomplish great things, regardless of whether I am engaged in labouring over a difficult software project or venturing into the depths of the ocean.

I have always been lured to the excitement of new experiences. I devoted a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to each of my activities, which included rock climbing, photography, traveling, and coding.

I made the decision to combine my interests and set off on a journey during which I would photograph the splendor of the world via the lens of my camera while simultaneously challenging myself to climb to new heights.

I couldn't help but experience a feeling of success and pleasure as I traveled to gorgeous locales and ascended tough cliffs throughout my time there. But for me, it was much more than simply the physical accomplishment. It was about making a connection with the natural world and capturing the beauty of nature in its untouched, unspoiled state via my photography.

When I got back to my house, I put my coding talents to use by coming up with new ideas, developing them further, and sharing them with the rest of the world.

But the friendships and connections I made along the road were by far the most rewarding aspect of the whole experience. The friends I made while climbing the rock face and while I was traveling quickly became like family to me, and the experiences we produced together will be ingrained in my mind for the rest of my life.

In the end, it wasn't the interests in and of themselves that were important; rather, it was the feelings and relationships that they sparked in me. And I am thankful for each and every one of those moments.

Key Skills & Expertise

  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, including Azure AI Landing Zones and cloud migration strategies
  • Excellent knowledge of serverless and PaaS environments
  • Expertise in applying software and cloud design patterns in multi-tiered environments
  • Strong engineering and architecture background with practical implementation in complex landscapes
  • Substantial analytical skills for capturing and managing enterprise complexities
  • 7+ years of experience building Solution and Platform Architectures for small-to-medium-sized applications
  • 7+ years of configuring, deploying, and running IT assets in intricate system landscapes
  • Author of the book ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE DELIVERY: A ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE, focusing on Software-Powered DevOps and automation-driven enterprise industrialization

Professional Philosophy

  • A leader who takes ownership and challenges the status quo
  • Highly curious and a thought leader in exploring and adopting new technologies
  • An excellent communicator across all levels, with highly developed interpersonal skills

Current Areas of Work

  • Azure Cloud Migration and overall governance
  • Strategic definitions and implementation of Azure DevOps Governance
  • Azure Automation Engine and DevOps Factory, enabling large-scale digital transformation
  • Automation of Azure PaaS Services provisioning, bridging enterprise architecture with development teams
  • DevOps Advisory for multinational enterprises
  • Designing Azure Reference Architectures and ensuring security
  • Expertise in Ansible Sharp

Coding since 1988. IT professional since 2000. Book author since 2024.

Head of Cloud IT. Zurich, Switzerland @ Swiss Life Asset Managers

As Head of Cloud IT my responsibilities are

I specialize in leading Cloud IT teams to design and implement comprehensive Azure-focused strategies that align with business objectives. My expertise includes developing Azure AI Landing Zones and integrating machine learning (ML) solutions—such as prompt-driven summarization tools—to optimize scalability, flexibility, and security across IT infrastructures.

Through my work, I drive Cloud Transformation initiatives aimed at resource optimization, seamless transitions from legacy systems to cloud-based solutions, and the adoption of modern tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and GitHub Copilot for enhanced productivity and collaboration. I also advocate for Azure DevOps practices to streamline development workflows, automate deployments, and boost synergy between development and operations teams.

My role extends to managing vendor relationships and ensuring compliance while fostering innovation in IT processes and infrastructure. By collaborating with other IT leaders and providing strategic direction, I ensure the successful implementation of emerging cloud technologies within complex landscapes.

Skills: Team Leadership · Problem Analysis · Team Management · Modernization · Strategic Visionary · Strategic Thinking · Strategy Execution · Budgeting · Communication · Problem Solving · Coaching & Mentoring · Management · Technical Analysis · Center of Excellence · Strategy · Emerging Technologies · Simplification · Oral Communication · AI/ML · Prompt engineering

Head of WMPC Cloud and Engineering. Zurich, Switzerland @ UBS

As Head of Cloud Enablement my responsibilities are

Accelerate cloud-first strategy by designing reusable patterns and developing fundamental building blocks

  • Lead teams to develop scalable cloud-based solutions and provide division-wide templates
  • Ensure that technical solutions are integrated into our highly automated and heterogeneous infrastructure.
  • Ensure the adoption of cloud security controls
  • Monitor cloud governance and pertinent approvals
  • Drive cost optimization
  • Create and disseminate cloud computing practices throughout the division
  • Ensure the ongoing provision of training and development

As member of the CDIO WMPC CTO Team, I’m collaborating with coworkers, delivering on projects, and defining the technical roadmap using our combined expertise, my team ensures that our business maximizes the return on its technology investment. As leading Cloud Enablement function, I play crucial role in technology transformation for our division.

My expertise

  • Leadership experience in large scale transformation including cloud adoption
  • Practical engineering experience including DevSecOps
  • Cloud-native hands-on experience, with Azure cloud
  • Solid comprehension of compliance requirements and zero trust architecture
  • Outstanding communication and documentation abilities

Executive Director @ UBS

As Executive Director under UBS CDIO WMPC CTO organization

  • Leveraging my Senior Cloud Architect background I’m able to support the organization on all cloud topics
  • Leading an engineering team to deliver cutting edge solutions

Senior IT Solution and Platform Architect @ UBS

As Senior IT Solution and Platform Architect I have the following role

  • Take ownership for the evolution of the overall solution architecture of a newly established B2B digital advisory platform, UBS Partner
  • ensure a highly secure infrastructure as well as excellent production performance.
  • collaborate with cross-functional teams and governance related senior stakeholders from business and IT (e.g. CTO, DISO, etc.).
  • advise our development teams in architectural best-practices.
  • turn enterprise and domain given architectural boundaries into platform relevant guidance.
  • own and drive the platform related architecture review board.
  • support the integration architecture with external clients.
  • Clearly communicate and drive the strategy and vision.

Head of UBS Partner Technology @ UBS Partner

Supporting you in developing a scalable advisory model

The financial services industry is facing fiercer competition than ever: digitization has given clients access to a wealth of information, regulations are becoming more stringent and innovative tech solutions are transforming the competitive landscape. We have developed a solution for our own business that has helped us address these challenges. And today, we, for the first time, offer this solution to selected partner banks. UBS Partner is the white-labelled offering powered by the same technology that backs our own leading advice process and a core pillar of our platform strategy.

Cloud Architect and DevOps enterprise advisor @ ATOS

As a Cloud Solution Architect, I am responsible in designing and driving the implementation of architectures to specific large enterprise projects, as well to define references architectures.

In this role, I have design an automation engine, along with a factory-industrialized process, that allows product owners to get their DevOps teams coding business logic in 16h. This is allowing large enterprise customers in their digital transformation. As DevOps Advisor, I provide guidance on the right ways of working, this Microsoft based tool set, like VSTS – Visual Studio Team System. At the same time, I design and implemented, standard process to get VSTS tool set ready for DevOps, automating the creation of Build and Release definitions. As a Manager, I am the overall responsible for successfully deliver projects according to agreed scope, time and budget. Sometimes I also play the role of Technical Project Manager also required me to:

  • Drive independently, significant software development and integration projects.
  • Take responsibility for the delivery of small to medium sized projects in a global Atos structures.
  • Establish and maintain the correct structures to control and monitor the deliverables to the business.
  • Actively follow and promote appropriate Project Governance.
  • Ensure that comprehensive project, quality, and risk plans are prepared, maintained and actively managed.
  • Actively manage project team, develops and maintains resources’ schedule.
  • Provides accurate and timely managed project revenue and margin as per business case.
  • Provides financial estimates and actively manages risks and issues.
  • Deliver excellent reports on delivery status, key performance indicators, etc.
  • Identify and proactively manage the issues and be able to articulate the impact on the project, in terms of time, cost and quality.

Premier Field Engineer (Development) @ Microsoft

Providing Microsoft customers with reliable technical solutions to the complex integration problems associated with business solutions built on the Microsoft platform.

The PFE Team supports a diverse variety of technical solutions built with Microsoft technology and products. Typical tasks performed in this role include helping with technology assessments, workshops, prototyping, specific problem isolation and correction, user mode debugging, conducting application design and supportability reviews, performances tuning, application stability consulting/troubleshooting, code reviews, and porting/migration assistance configuration management, pre-rollout testing and general development consulting. Using all resources at Microsoft, to advise and consult on the use of Microsoft technologies to avoid such problems in the future. Working on software factories, creating and develop them. Using the latest technology, like .NET 4.5, MVC 4, EF 5, jQuery, KnockoutJS, Twitter Bootstrap, AmplifyJS, HTML 5 and CSS 3

What does Marcio do

I'm an IT expert with extensive knowledge in serverless cloud architectures and continuous delivery pipelines. I'm also a natural leader with strong interpersonal skills, which allow you to connect effectively with people at all levels. Furthermore, you have a passion for photography and are constantly motivated to challenge yourself to reach new heights. My expertise in Azure DevOps, Cloud Architecture, and Cloud Strategy, I can provide the following services to others, and help you, and your business. Standing out and turn your ideas into digital realities.

Azure DevOps

As an IT expert with extensive knowledge in Azure DevOps, you can assist businesses in automating their software delivery processes using Azure DevOps. You can help them to create and manage their DevOps pipelines, implement continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), and optimize their overall software development lifecycle (SDLC) using Azure DevOps.

Cloud Architecture

With your expertise in serverless cloud architectures and continuous delivery pipelines, you can help businesses to design and implement cloud solutions that are scalable, resilient, and cost-effective.

Cloud Strategy

You can assist them in selecting the right cloud services, defining their cloud migration strategy, and developing their cloud governance policies.

Photography

Given your passion for photography and your experience in capturing the beauty of nature, you can offer photography services to individuals and businesses. You can provide them with high-quality images that showcase the beauty of the natural world and can be used for various purposes, such as marketing, advertising, or personal enjoyment.

Software Factories

As a knowledgeable IT professional, you can help businesses to establish and optimize their software factories. You can provide them with guidance on best practices for software development, tools for automation and collaboration, and strategies for ensuring the quality and efficiency of their software delivery processes.

SDLC

With your expertise in continuous delivery pipelines, you can assist businesses in optimizing their software development lifecycle (SDLC). You can help them to create and manage their SDLC processes, implement agile methodologies, and improve their software quality using techniques such as automated testing and code reviews.

Companies

Marcio has worked with

I have been working for the last two years with Marcio. He took over a project that was key to our offering and was in need of good management.

I was impressed on how Marcio managed this. Both on the technical side, improving our cloud footprint, improving the automation of testing and introducing best practise DevOps; but also on the people side, managing a diverse team and technologies across many locations, keeping the efficiency even in times of pandemic.

Well done!

Stephane Laederich CTO WMPC | UBS

I worked with Marcio on the beginning of our DevOps journey in Nestlé running the first Microsoft based DevOps experiments. And even I had high expectations I was very positivity surprised by the outcome. It’s was simply great!

His ability to turn impossible to reality, way to explain technical details in meaningful way, permanent searching for improvements, seeing big picture even while dealing with details and still keep delivery on time was more then top-notch professional.

And all this in always good mood…

Ladislav Tesar Software Development Manager | Program Management, Nestlé

Marcio worked in my team for two years where he demonstrated his outstanding knowledge of Azure platform services and DevOps practices. His vision and dedication have been key in architecting and delivering our Azure Devops framework. Marcio is one of those professionals with whom nothing seems impossible

Marcio is also a brilliant communicator who knows how to adapt the message to the audience, allowing all stakeholders to take conscious decisions. He’s clear and honest in his feedbacks, and always fully committed to work in the interest of the customer.

I highly appreciated to work these two years with Marcio for his competences but also for his human qualities. Marcio is one of the best professional I ever met in my life.

Alain Renon Lead of Global Development Technologies Industrialization, Nestlé

Marcio has been working for several years in my team.

During these years Marcio evolved a lot, becoming truly a DevOps full stack engineer with a vision on how to architect our Azure Development toolchain/pipeline.

He has been really key in these and without him, his advise and commitment, we would not have reach our level of maturity.

Furthermore and beyond his technical aspect/profile, Marcio is able to convey message to audience and advocate about Agile & DevOps practices.

Marcio is for me a huge value added to Team

Gerard Ruel A young and agile mind-set with 20+ years of proven expertise in business application development delivery and DevOps, Nestlé

Keep In Touch

Feel free to contact us for any
project idea or collaboration

support@deixei.com

Zug, Switzerland