Michael Lederman is chief digital and technology officer (CDTO) at the Culinary Institute of America, where he leads the college’s digital, data, and technology strategy. In this role, oversees CIA’s platforms and architecture and is responsible for driving digital transformation and customer-facing experiences, including modernizing and evolving core systems, cybersecurity and data privacy, organization-wide information flow, digital learning models, industry-facing programs, and engagement platforms.
Lederman joined CIA in 2026, bringing 25 years’ experience across a wide range of industries, including luxury hospitality, commercial real estate, financial services, performing arts, and education. He previously served for nine years as CIO at The Leading Hotels of the World, a collection of 450+ independent luxury hotels operating in 80 countries. There, he led the technology team and a multiyear initiative to modernize its platforms and data systems. During his tenure, the company doubled the revenue it drove for its member hotels. He also served on the steering committee for the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), the world’s largest international hospitality technology conference, and a member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s T100 global technology advisory board.
His earlier roles include managing director of strategy and innovation at Cushman & Wakefield, one of the world’s largest global commercial real estate services firms; vice president of information technology at Massey Knakal Realty Services, the leading commercial real estate brokerage in the New York metro area; and director of information technology at the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, one of the world’s most celebrated arts organizations.
Lederman began his career as a network and systems engineer at organizations including Rutgers University, Collective Technologies, Tradescape (now E*Trade), Mako Global Derivatives, and the Bank of New York.
He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Rutgers.
Outside of work, Lederman enjoys skiing, scuba diving, and spending time with his wife Michelle and their college-aged children. He and his wife share a passion for travel and are well on their way toward their goal of visiting all seven continents and 100 countries.