Rajat Dhawan
Group Chief Digital & Technology Officer
Professional Overview
Rajat Dhawan is an accomplished technology executive with extensive experience in driving digital transformation and leveraging emerging technologies to create business value. As the Group Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Soho House & Co, he leads the strategic direction and implementation of the company's digital initiatives, while also serving as a Visiting Lecturer in AI and Machine Learning at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Group Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Soho House & Co, Rajat is responsible for spearheading the company's digital strategy and overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the customer experience and drive operational efficiency. He has played a pivotal role in modernizing the company's technology infrastructure, implementing cloud-based solutions, and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
Rajat also serves as an Advisory Board Member at the Coronation Food Project, a charitable initiative supported by the King Charles III Charitable Fund, where he provides strategic guidance and technical expertise to help address food security challenges.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Rajat held the position of Global Chief Technology Officer at Contiki Holidays, where he led the company's digital transformation and drove the implementation of innovative technologies to improve the travel experience for customers. Before that, he held leadership roles at Accenture, where he advised clients on digital strategy and solution design, and Prestige Books, where he played a key role in developing the company's digital product offerings.
Earlier in his career, Rajat served as a Management Associate and Lecturer in Computer Programming at the University of Sydney Business School, where he combined his technical expertise with teaching responsibilities. He also had a brief stint as a Software Engineer at the Indian Air Force, where he honed his programming skills and gained valuable experience in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
Academic Background
Rajat holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Delhi, India. He has also completed executive education programs at leading institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Harvard Business School, further strengthening his strategic and leadership capabilities.
Areas of Expertise
- Digital transformation and technology strategy
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Cloud computing and infrastructure modernization
- Data analytics and business intelligence
- Agile project management and software development
- Leadership and team building
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Rajat has demonstrated a proven track record of driving innovative solutions and delivering measurable business impact. At Contiki Holidays, he spearheaded the implementation of a cloud-based reservation system that improved customer experience and increased operational efficiency, resulting in a 15% increase in customer bookings.
As a Visiting Lecturer at the LSE, Rajat shares his expertise in AI and machine learning, inspiring the next generation of technology leaders and shaping the future of the industry.
Conclusion
Rajat Dhawan is a versatile technology leader with a strong background in digital transformation, emerging technologies, and strategic leadership. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value, combined with his passion for innovation and teaching, makes him a valuable asset to Soho House & Co and the broader technology community.
