MICHAEL RODGER
SVP OF TECHNOLOGY, CABOT
Michael Rodger is senior vice president of technology at Cabot, a developer and operator of luxury resort and residential golf destinations based in Toronto, where he leads global technology initiatives. Prior to joining the company last year, he held technology leaderships roles at Auberge Resorts Collection, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Delta Hotels and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. He also spent some time on the supply side of the industry at Sabre Hospitality, where he served as vice president of direct distribution.
According to Rodger, Cabot is in a rapid growth mode, both in Europe and North America. His biggest challenge has been to evaluate, select and implement a number of core technology systems in compressed timeframes. For example, he and his team recently implemented more than 20 software solutions in less than 12 months at Cabot Citrus Farms, a new golf and real estate destination slated to open later this year. “That project required a lot of coordination and determination,” he said, adding that he and his team also had to tackle some unfamiliar subjects, such as agronomy and the science of soil. “We’ve had to step outside of our comfort zones.”
The key to success, he says, has been three-fold: effective project management, strong relationships with partners, and honest communication between teams. One of the things he appreciates most at Cabot is the level of trust the company places in every employee. “The autonomy we’re given results in quicker decision making, faster pivots and more experimentation.”
Cabot focuses on both golf and hospitality, and the company works with a number of technology partners to manage its diverse operations—from irrigation and golf course maintenance to property management and sales. “Most people underestimate the amount of technology required to power a worldwide ‘Top 100’ golf course,” he said, noting that the company’s newest systems are cloud-based. “As we expand, we want technology that’s efficient, scalable and secure.”
Moreover, he seeks agile technology partners that offer highly flexible solutions. “As our operations evolve, we want vendors who can help us deploy systems quickly,” he explained. “We also don't want to get stuck with solutions that can't flex, so we've steered toward partners who embrace open integration and frequent product release cycles.”
Later this year, Rodger and his team will deliver new reservations and travel itinerary capabilities that leverage the power of artificial intelligence. “It will take the stress out of planning the perfect golf getaway.” He also plans to focus on data analytics to gain deeper insights into Cabot’s customer base as well as oversee the implementation of new human resources and financial solutions. “We're in a fortunate place where we're unencumbered with legacy systems,
MICHAEL'S INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS:
FRICTION-FREE PAYMENTS WILL TAKE OFF.
“Other sectors have improved payment simplicity with developments like digital wallets and shared payments. That disruption is long overdue in hospitality.”
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) WILL EXPAND.
“AI automates routine tasks and enables staff to spend time on more valuable activities,” HE SAID.
INCREASINGLY STRINGENT DATA PRIVACY REGULATIONS WILL NECESSITATE MORE TRANSPARENCY.
“As consumers become more educated in the ways that companies harvest data, hotels will have to work harder to explain their data collection practices and prepare for the day when data is less accessible.”
