Director Digital Transformation

Job Title:

Director Digital Transformation (Cruise, Maritime & Hospitality Industry)

Business Unit:

EY GDS – Tech Consulting

Practice:

Location:

Role Summary:

Director in EY GDS Digital Engineering practice

client-facing leadership role

Key Responsibilities:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.