Role Overview
The Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) will be accountable for end-to-end digital and technology-enabled transformation across a ports and maritime platform. The role will accelerate EBITDA improvement, operational efficiency, scalability, and transparency in line with the Private Equity sponsor’s value creation plan.
Operating as a close partner to the CEO, CFO, COO, and PE Operating Partners, the CDTO will transition the business from fragmented, asset-centric operations to data-driven, integrated, and automated port and maritime systems, while maintaining resilience in a safety-critical, regulated environment.
This is not a traditional IT role. The mandate is commercial, execution-led, and outcome-driven, with success measured by value delivered—not systems deployed.
Mandate & Value Creation Objectives
Translate the PE investment thesis into a clear digital value creation roadmap
Deliver measurable EBITDA uplift through automation, productivity, and asset optimisation
Improve operational visibility and control across ports, terminals, marine assets, and corridors
Enable scalable growth, bolt-on integration, and exit-ready digital infrastructure
Reduce execution and operational risk in complex, regulated port environments
Key Responsibilities
Digital Strategy & Transformation Delivery
Own and execute the digital transformation agenda aligned to the PE value creation plan
Identify, prioritise, and deliver high-impact digital initiatives (quick wins and structural plays)
Establish a
Transformation / Digital Office
to drive execution discipline, KPIs, and governance cadence
Core Ports & Maritime Systems Modernisation
Lead transformation of critical operational systems, including:
Terminal Operating Systems (TOS)
Asset and maintenance management systems
Marine operations, berth, and vessel planning systems
Supply chain, logistics, and hinterland integration platforms
Reduce system fragmentation and technical debt while ensuring business continuity
Data, Analytics & Performance Transparency
Build a
single source of truth
across operational and financial data
Deploy dashboards and leading indicators to support:
Throughput and asset utilisation
Cost, productivity, and margin tracking
Safety, compliance, and service performance
Enable faster, data-driven decision-making for management and PE stakeholders
Automation, AI & Process Digitisation
Drive automation across manual, paper-based, and labour-intensive processes
Introduce pragmatic
AI and advanced analytics
use cases where value is clear
Improve working capital, planning accuracy, and operational predictability
M&A, Integration & Exit Readiness
Support digital diligence for bolt-on acquisitions
Lead systems and data integration post-acquisition
Build a credible, value-backed digital equity story for exit
Leadership & Change
Act as a senior change leader across executive and operational levels
Lead and develop internal digital, IT, and transformation teams
Embed a culture of
execution, accountability, and continuous improvement
Candidate Profile
Experience
Senior digital or transformation leadership experience (e.g. CDTO, CTO, Chief Transformation Officer, VP Digital, Head of Transformation)
Background in:
Ports, maritime, logistics
Infrastructure, industrials, or asset-heavy regulated environments
Proven track record delivering
large-scale digital and operational transformation
with measurable financial outcomes
Experience in
Private Equity-backed
or high-accountability environments
Strong exposure to ERP, TOS, and other mission-critical operational platforms
Location: Europe or UAE