For Praveen Subramani, cyber security has been more than a career path — it has been a passion since his university days.
Now a Senior Security Engineer for Ryman, based in Christchurch, Praveen previously worked as a manager of a cyber security team in his home country India.
“I studied computer science and engineering and liked cyber security from the start. Even my final project in college was related to it.”
Praveen primarily looks after, implements and optimises the cybersecurity technologies that protect Ryman’s systems, data and digital services.
On a day-to-day basis, this might mean Praveen and his team improving security controls to reduce cyber risk and strengthen the organisation's overall security. They monitor emerging threats and work proactively to prevent security incidents that could disrupt care delivery or business operations.
“In effect, this ensures critical business systems remain available, reliable and protected, enabling team members to focus on delivering exceptional care and services to residents,” Praveen says.
“Although my role is primarily technical, the outcome of my work extends far beyond technology. Every security improvement, threat prevented and system protected helps ensure that Ryman's teams can deliver care without disruption and that residents' personal information remains secure.”
Before joining Ryman, Praveen worked in cyber security across several industries before stepping into a leadership role.
“I managed a team in cloud security operations in my last role,” he says.
Away from work, Praveen’s love of the outdoors and sports helped shape another long-held ambition: to move to New Zealand.
“I was a professional mountaineer for about four years and climbed several mountains in the Himalayas and Western Ghats in India,” Praveen says.
Praveen also grew up playing cricket, and looking up and reading about his favourite players introduced him to New Zealand.
“I also looked up the happiest countries, and there in fifth place was New Zealand. I kind of like peace and quiet – the nature. So, I always wanted to move here,” he says.
But then Covid struck, and his plans were put on hold for a few years before a golden opportunity knocked.
“I had to start looking again and saw this opportunity at Ryman and luckily my (now) boss at Ryman gave me an opportunity to interview,” he says.
“My entire interview process was online because I was in India, and everyone was so helpful.”
Once the interview process was complete, it was a green light to move to New Zealand, which Praveen and his young daughter, Lannah, finally did in 2025.
And Praveen couldn’t be happier.
“The team has been fantastic, and I can’t complain about anything,” Praveen says.
“We are a team of three and take care of cyber security for the entire company.”
“I love working here. The team is small, but that allows you to explore more,” he says.
Praveen says it’s fantastic to get involved in everything from risk management to incident reports.
“If you love what you do – that’s ideal. We have a lot of fun here.”
Praveen and his family are thriving in their adopted city.
“It’s just me and my daughter! Lannah loves it here – her preschool is amazing.”
He has already lined up some outdoor activities once they are fully settled in.
“I would love to do some camping, and I recently tried a beginner mountain bike trail. I’m looking to learn and make it a hobby,” he says.
Praveen is also looking to dust off his hiking boots.
“I have listed easy-to-tough peaks to summit and will start one at a time. I should make friends and be part of a rope team!”
“I want to be in a place that we feel connected to,” Praveen says with a smile.
And he might just have found it.