Episode 97
Scaling Data-Driven Solutions in Global Hospitality with Marriott International
Guests: Julia Morrison, Dan MacDonald, and Whitnee Hawthorne
GUESTS
Julia Morrison
VP, Data and Privacy Engineering at Marriott International
Julia Morrison is currently leading Data & Privacy Engineering in Global Technology at Marriott International on the CTO’s team. Julia has been with Marriott for over 19 years in progressively expanding roles in Data Engineering, Product Management, Privacy, Analytics, Data Science, and Revenue Management. Prior to joining Marriott, Julia was a consultant with McKinsey & Company, specializing in Pricing, Analytics, Retail, and Consumer Packaged Goods. Julia holds a PhD in Operations & Financial Engineering from Princeton University, and a BS in Applied Physics & Mathematics from the Moscow Institute of Technology.
Dan MacDonald
VP, Data Platform Engineering at Marriott International
Dan MacDonald is Vice President Data Platform Engineering at Marriott International. He is a seasoned technology executive with a proven track record in driving innovation and delivering business value through data and analytics. He is currently leading the Data Platform Engineering practice for Marriott International. Dan has 20+ years leading data teams at Trusted Media Group (aka Readers Digest), Starwood Hotels and currently Marriott International. Dan has led major data initiatives including the integration of Starwood Hotel and Marriott International data platforms, implementation of Marriott's Modern Data Technology platform and reimagination of Marriott Business Intelligence capabilities. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies, he continues driving significant business growth and operational efficiency. Dan is a strategic thinker with a strong technical foundation and a passion for building high-performing teams and fostering a data-driven culture.
Whitnee Hawthorne
Global Head of Travel and Hospitality at Snowflake
Whitnee Hawthorne serves as Snowflake’s Global Head of Travel and Hospitality where she translates how data and technology ignite innovation and deliver business value. She leverages her deep industry expertise to help clients harness the power of the AI Data Cloud to transform their operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Throughout her career, Whitnee has led large, global teams at travel, expense and technology companies. At Navan, she served as the Chief Customer Officer and oversaw program management, learning and development, quality and customer service teams. At JetBlue, she served as Vice President of Customer Support, optimizing cost efficiency and leading a global 24/7 customer service organization.