Paul Gravestock
London,ENG
Summary
Strategic IT leader with 15+ years of experience in database administration, platform engineering, and global team management within the financial services sector. Proven success in leading enterprise-scale migrations, standardizing compliance frameworks, and driving automation across SQL Server and Oracle estates. Adept at aligning technical initiatives with business goals, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and delivering measurable operational improvements.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Dir - SQL Server, Oracle, Performance Teams
Ameriprise Financial, Inc
02.2024 - 09.2025
Senior Manager - SQL Server database team
Ameriprise Financial, Inc
02.2021 - 01.2024
- Managed 30 IT professionals across global locations, including US, UK, and India.
- Executed resourcing and recruitment processes to enhance team capabilities.
- Conducted performance reviews, recognition initiatives, and promotions.
- Set goals and objectives aligned with organisational strategy.
- Acted as product owner for SQL Server and Oracle database platforms across AWS and UK Colo Data centres.
- Directed strategic product initiatives focusing on continuous improvement, security management, and compliance controls.
- Oversaw ITIL processes encompassing incident, problem, change, and configuration management.
- Provided technical guidance and support to SQL operations and engineering teams.
Senior Manager - SQL Server database team
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
07.2014 - 02.2021
- Led SQL Server database team across UK and India, ensuring high performance and availability.
- Managed SQL Server platform for CTI, overseeing incident, change, and problem management.
- Directed development of global SQL Server configuration management standards across AMPF subsidiaries.
- Implemented automated patching solution using Ansible for global SQL Server estate.
- Standardised SQL patching and user permissions review processes across all AMPF entities.
- Established automation framework for SQL auditing and reporting using Tidal and PowerShell/TSQL.
- Replaced Windows Hyper-V server replication with Always-On Availability Groups for enhanced disaster recovery.
Senior Associate – Architecture & Design Team
MSCI
10.2012 - 07.2014
- Delivered SQL Server standards for MSCI, ensuring engineering team engagement and cross-team collaboration.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive SQL Server roadmap for organisational-wide implementation.
- Provided expert SQL Server support across MSCI, enhancing operational consistency.
- Established robust security, backup, installation, and maintenance policies for SQL Servers globally.
- Contributed to MSCI's status as a top investment decision support provider for 8,000 clients worldwide.
- Enhanced MSCI's technical infrastructure across 24 countries with over 3,000 employees.
Senior SQL Server Database Administrator
Investment Property Databank
12.2006 - 09.2012
- Executed full migration strategy for IPD SQL Server databases into MSCI network infrastructure.
- Upgraded all SQL Server instances to new physical and virtual hardware.
- Redesigned outdated IPD SQL Server infrastructure, improving stability and maintenance.
- Developed documented standards policy to ensure consistency in SQL Server security and coding.
- Provided technical database support to development teams and data analysts across IPD business.
- Evaluated and deployed Idera Diagnostic Manager for enhanced SQL monitoring.
- Managed all aspects of SQL Server administration, including backups and security management.
- Implemented consistent collations across databases to simplify query joins.
Lead Web and Database Developer
Datacraft Design Limited
11.2004 - 12.2006
- Supported SQL Server, Oracle, and Sybase database development for Hospitality Suite application.
- Led development of bespoke functionality for Hospitality Web, meeting client requirements.
- Developed customised database reports as per client requests.
- Provided technical application support for clients using SQL Server, Oracle, and Sybase DBMSs.
- Converted over 40 database stored procedures from SQL Server 2000 to Sybase ASE 12.5, facilitating software upgrades across London and Sydney.
- Contributed to a long-term project for Merrill Lynch, leading all web-based functionality development.
- Delivered software development and technical support to high-profile clients including Barclay's Global Investors and Buckingham Palace.
Temporary Administrator
University of Westminster
08.2004 - 09.2004
- The post was a temporary contract which I fulfilled during my university summer break.
Technical Industrial Student Placement
BT Exact
07.2002 - 07.2003
- The post was an industry work placement as part of my undergraduate sandwich degree.
Quality Control Supervisor
Banner Telecom Group Limited
09.1995 - 08.2000
- Supervising a quality control team of 15 members of staff.
Education
BSc Hons - Computing
East London
Skills
- SQL Server
- PowerShell
- AWS / Azure
- ServiceNow
- Jira
- Confluence
- Bit Bucket
- Ansible
Certification
- Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals AI-900
- ITIL 4 Foundation
- Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals AZ-900
- Sumo Logic Metrics Mastery
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate part 1 (MCSA) SQL Server 2012
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) SQL Server 2008
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) SQL Server 2005
- Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) SQL Server 2000
- Microsoft Certified Professional Windows Server 2003
- Zabbix Certified Specialist
Custom
- Guitar
- Music
- Film
- Food
- Sport
Affiliations
- Guitar, Music, Film, Food, Sport
Timeline
Dir - SQL Server, Oracle, Performance Teams
Ameriprise Financial, Inc
02.2024 - 09.2025
Senior Manager - SQL Server database team
Ameriprise Financial, Inc
02.2021 - 01.2024
Senior Manager - SQL Server database team
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
07.2014 - 02.2021
Senior Associate – Architecture & Design Team
MSCI
10.2012 - 07.2014
Senior SQL Server Database Administrator
Investment Property Databank
12.2006 - 09.2012
Lead Web and Database Developer
Datacraft Design Limited
11.2004 - 12.2006
Temporary Administrator
University of Westminster
08.2004 - 09.2004
Technical Industrial Student Placement
BT Exact
07.2002 - 07.2003
Quality Control Supervisor
Banner Telecom Group Limited
09.1995 - 08.2000
BSc Hons - Computing
East London