DE-Director - Digital Transformation-GDSN02

Job Title:

Director – Digital Transformation (Cruise, Maritime and Hospitality Industry)

Business Unit: EY GDS – Tech Consulting

Practice: Digital Engineering

Role Summary:

As a Director in EY GDS Digital Engineering practice, you will lead digital transformation initiatives for global clients in the Cruise and Maritime travel industry. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering complex digital strategies that enhance guest experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability for leading cruise operators, port ecosystems, and travel value chains.

This is a client-facing leadership role that combines industry insight, digital acumen, and consulting excellence to deliver measurable business impact and strengthen EY’s position as a trusted advisor in the travel and hospitality sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Client & Market Leadership

• Act as the digital transformation leader and strategic advisor for C-suite executives in global cruise and maritime travel organizations.
• Develop and deliver digital strategy roadmaps that drive enterprise value, enhance guest experience, and enable operational excellence.
• Lead engagements across digital business models, experience design, data-driven decisioning, and technology modernization.
• Build and nurture senior-level client relationships, becoming a trusted partner for long-term transformation programs.

Solution & Delivery Excellence

• Lead large-scale digital transformation programs, spanning guest experience modernization, smart fleet operations, sustainability analytics, and digital commerce.
• Integrate emerging technologies such as AI/ML, IoT, cloud, blockchain, AR/VR, and digital twins to optimize cruise operations.
• Partner with EY’s global technology alliances (Microsoft, SAP, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Adobe, etc.) to design and implement future-ready digital solutions.
• Ensure delivery excellence, financial management, and risk mitigation across complex multi-geography engagements.

Practice & Business Development

• Drive business development and revenue growth by identifying opportunities within cruise lines, port authorities, and travel ecosystem partners.
• Collaborate with global EY teams to build industry-specific accelerators, frameworks, and transformation playbooks.
• Contribute to thought leadership—whitepapers, EY Insights articles, and conferences—on digital disruption trends in the cruise industry.
• Shape EY’s TMT Center of Excellence in India, fostering collaboration between consulting, technology, and design practices.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary teams of consultants, digital strategists, and technologists.
• Build future leaders through coaching, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Promote EY’s culture of innovation, integrity, and client excellence.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

• MBA / PGDM from a top-tier business school (IIMs, ISB, XLRI, INSEAD, etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred.

Professional Experience:

• 20–25 years of progressive experience in digital transformation, consulting, or leadership roles within the cruise, maritime, travel, or hospitality industry.
• Minimum 5–7 years in a leadership role managing large digital programs or transformation portfolios.
• Proven track record in:
  • Designing and executing digital strategy or operating model transformations.
  • Customer experience digitization in cruise or luxury travel environments.
  • Implementing data, cloud, and analytics-driven platforms (CRM, ERP, IoT, etc.).
  • Leading global delivery teams across regions and technology partnerships.

Desired Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of the Cruise & Maritime value chain — from booking and embarkation to onboard operations, maintenance, and post-cruise engagement.
• Strong knowledge of Digital  / emerging technologies and their applicability to cruise operations (Architecture, Web, Mobile, Full Stack Engg, CRM, Commerce, Cloud, Data Analytics, Agentic AI)
• Excellent executive presence, client relationship management, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking with a strong grasp of P&L management, program governance, and stakeholder alignment.
• Experience working in multicultural and cross-functional environments, especially with international clients.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certifications in Digital Transformation, Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), or Data Analytics.
• Training in Design Thinking, Agile Delivery, or Lean Digital methodologies.
• Awareness of maritime regulatory standards and sustainability/ESG frameworks is an advantage.

What EY Offers:

• Opportunity to lead industry-defining digital transformation programs for the world’s top cruise and travel brands.
• Access to global EY alliances, digital platforms, and innovation centers to co-create next-gen cruise experiences.
• A collaborative, inclusive environment that values innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
• Pathway to Partnership based on performance and impact.