Raymond Boyle, the VP of data and analytics at Hyatt Hotels, is all about maximizing the power of data. He joined Hyatt in early 2020, bringing experience from Walmart Labs, where he also served as VP of data and analytics. Boyle loves what he does, especially within Hyatt’s vibrant culture that encourages innovative use of data.
“I feel lucky to be in this role,” he shares, emphasizing his excitement for Hyatt’s focus on data as a strategic asset. Boyle collaborates closely with Amy Weinberg, Hyatt’s senior VP of loyalty, brand marketing, and consumer insights, to embed data into the core of Hyatt’s operational strategy.
His experience in the travel industry fuels his passion. “It’s a multifaceted business,” he says. “As a data leader, I get to impact customer and colleague experiences directly.” Over 30 years in the field has shown him how rapidly data and analytics are evolving. The rise of technologies like AI presents new challenges and opportunities.
Boyle’s day-to-day responsibilities include making sure everyone at Hyatt is comfortable with data. His team focuses on “productizing” data, ensuring it functions easily for employees and customers alike. “We treat data as a product,” he explains. “This includes managing information, crafting strategies, and providing solutions.” His approach integrates data engineering, platform organization, and machine learning to drive results.
Hyatt’s data strategy emphasizes insight-driven decisions and automation. “We’re developing a strong data culture focused on leadership, data fluency, and stewardship of information,” he says. Personalizing the customer experience while fostering trust is essential, ensuring every guest interaction feels seamless and secure.
Boyle is proud of the accomplishments his team has achieved. They’ve automated many operational processes and made strides in ensuring that everyone at Hyatt understands data performance. “It’s been a substantial effort to streamline operations while growing from mergers and acquisitions,” he notes.
A key element of Boyle’s strategy is Snowflake, a unified data platform that consolidates Hyatt’s enterprise data. After a two-year implementation, he highlights the transition as crucial for the company to manage its growing data needs. “Our old systems had limitations, and we needed to enhance our computing capabilities significantly,” he admits.
The migration to Snowflake wasn’t easy. “You can’t hit pause on running the business while switching systems,” he explains. Handling simultaneous pipeline management and keeping operations running added complexity. Now, Snowflake serves as Hyatt’s scalable platform, empowering employees with efficient access to data.
His 100-member data team drives strategy informed by insights and analytics. “Data is essential to every decision we make,” he says. With personalizing customer experiences as a priority, Boyle mentions ongoing efforts to enhance their pricing-optimization capabilities and explore generative AI applications.
In shaping the future, he envisions a data organization that continually innovates to improve customer interactions and operational efficiency. “I want our guests to feel valued and understand how our data empowers their experiences at Hyatt,” he states.
Boyle believes that successful data leadership isn’t a solo effort. “The CEO and executive team must guide AI’s direction within the company,” he stresses. Creating alignment across all levels is vital to drive meaningful results.
He acknowledges the necessity of a well-integrated tech stack that supports business ambitions. “Getting enterprise architecture, cyber security, and data governance in place lays the groundwork for effective AI services,” he advises.
For other data leaders, Boyle emphasizes teamwork. “Ensuring everyone, from product management to engineering, works cohesively speeds up the delivery of impactful outcomes.”