In today’s fast-paced digital ecosystem, the way we design, deploy, and manage networks is rapidly evolving. Gone are the days of manually configuring routers and switches. Instead, organizations are adopting automation-first strategies, software-defined architectures, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) models to build intelligent, scalable, and secure networks.
At the heart of this transformation is Ashish Anand, Director of Network DevOps at Marriott International. With over 18 years of hands-on experience in enterprise architecture, cloud computing, and DevOps, Ashish has been instrumental in modernizing Marriott’s global network operations.
From Traditional Networks to Next-Gen Automation
Ashish leads a team of network engineers and automation specialists focused on transforming legacy network infrastructures into agile, software-defined platforms. By leveraging technologies like SD-WAN, SASE/SSE, and cloud-native routing/switching, his team is creating a future-proof foundation for Marriott’s global connectivity.
He has successfully designed and implemented solutions using:
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Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for scalable and version-controlled deployments
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DevSecOps to embed security directly into the CI/CD pipelines
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Spine-leaf architectures and cloud interconnects for high-performance networking
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Custom service catalogs (built on ReactJS & NodeJS) to enable self-service provisioning
These innovations aren’t just about speed — they’re about resilience, compliance, and cost-efficiency in a rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Building a Culture of Engineering Excellence
One of Ashish’s greatest strengths is fostering a culture where automation is not just a tool, but a mindset. His leadership style focuses on mentoring engineers, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and aligning technical execution with strategic business goals.
Under his guidance, the team has:
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Standardized network configurations using Ansible Automation Platform (AAP)
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Implemented Nautobot for real-time asset and configuration management
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Created automation roadmaps that scale globally across Marriott’s network towers
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Aligned all deployments with enterprise architecture and security best practices
Why Network DevOps is Critical Today
In the age of cloud-native apps, hybrid workforces, and global service delivery, network agility is business agility. Ashish’s approach bridges the gap between network engineering and software development, ensuring Marriott’s network is not just connected, but intelligent, self-healing, and adaptive.
By integrating DevOps into network operations, organizations can:
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Reduce deployment time from weeks to hours
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Minimize outages with predictive change management
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Improve visibility and governance across multi-cloud infrastructures
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Enable real-time scaling to meet customer and business demands
Certifications & Continuous Learning
Ashish holds certifications including:
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Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
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Docker Certified Associate (DCA)
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect
These credentials complement his on-ground expertise and keep him ahead of industry trends in cloud-native networking, containerization, and edge security.
Ashish Anand’s leadership in Network DevOps is a testament to how deep technical expertise, combined with strategic vision, can deliver transformative results. As the demand for self-service infrastructure, zero-touch networking, and automated provisioning continues to grow, professionals like Ashish are paving the way for the networks of tomorrow.
Whether you’re a fellow technologist, an enterprise decision-maker, or someone passionate about the future of infrastructure — Ashish’s journey offers a powerful case study in modern network transformation through innovation, collaboration, and relentless execution.