After spending over five years at Expedia Group, up until 2021, Technical Product Manager, Shila Ray, recently rejoined Expedia Group as a ‘boomerang’. In his first chapter at EG, Shila focused on building traveler-facing lodging experiences. After gaining valuable experience in developing B2B products outside of EG, Shila was excited to return for an opportunity that allows him to blend his new skills and knowledge with his passion for travel.

So far, his return to Expedia Group has been both fulfilling and impactful. With a collaborative, inclusive culture, which fosters innovation and teamwork, EG is an exciting place for Shila to contribute to the future of travel.

Shila Ray | Technical Product Manager | London, UK

Tell us about your role.

In my role as a Technical Product Manager I have the incredible opportunity to create a meaningful impact on millions of customers across the travel industry. As part of Expedia Group’s Private Label Solutions AI team, I focus on the end-to-end AI product development, transforming business needs into impactful, data-driven solutions for our thriving B2B business, and monitor our product performance. By partnering with stakeholders, I ensure alignment with strategic goals to advance our B2B offerings. This role allows me to combine my technical expertise with strategic vision to shape the future of travel and transform experiences for our partners and customers alike. 

Tell us about your team.

I’m fortunate to work with a group of talented machine learning scientists who leverage cutting-edge advancements in AI and ML to enhance and optimize multiple facets of Expedia’s B2B products, ranging from commercial strategies to user experiences. Their innovative work plays a critical role in driving value for our partners and customers alike. That said, our impact wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable support of other teams, such as machine learning engineering, platform, and analytics teams, who collaborate closely with us to bring our solutions to life. It’s a true cross-functional effort.

While “scientists” might sound serious when it comes to their experiments, our team knows how to have fun! From brainstorming sessions to team outings, there’s no shortage of laughter and camaraderie. Like many other Expedia Group teams, ours is globally diverse, spread across three countries and continents, and representing multiple nationalities, which brings a rich mix of perspectives and ideas to the table. It’s a dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring environment to be part of. 

What excites you about working in Private Label Solutions at EG? 

Private Label Solutions (PLS) plays a pivotal role in broadening the reach of Expedia Group’s products and services, and the distribution of solutions to partners across the world to deepen customer relationships by building better traveler experiences. PLS has experienced tremendous growth in recent times, reflecting its strategic importance and potential within the organization. This combination of impact, innovation, and growth makes PLS an incredibly exciting space.

How does it feel to be back at EG?

To put it simply, it feels like I never left. Coming back to Expedia Group feels like a full-circle moment, and it’s been incredible to see how much the company has grown and transformed. Reconnecting with my colleagues from my previous tenure has been incredibly rewarding, and getting to know my new team has been equally exciting. The culture, energy, and shared passion for transforming travel made it feel like coming home! I’m thrilled to contribute to this next chapter of growth.

My previous stint at Expedia Group was focused on building traveler-facing lodging experiences. Since then, I’ve gained valuable experience in developing B2B products. When the opportunity arose to combine my B2B expertise with my passion for travel, I seized it with both hands.

Why did you decide to rejoin EG? 

The team at Expedia Group is truly exceptional – collaborative, friendly, and inclusive, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This fosters a sense of belonging from the very start. I’ve found that in our culture, we bring everyone along on the journey, while also being unafraid to offer constructive feedback when needed. These are the kind of colleagues you share a genuine connection with. Teamwork and innovation is at the heart of the culture. Colleagues readily support one another, and cross-functional collaboration is encouraged and celebrated.

Fresh ideas are always welcomed, and there’s a strong emphasis on calculated risk-taking to drive progress. We’re encouraged to experiment, learn from the experiences, and continuously improve products and processes. It’s also remarkable how accessible senior leaders are – they encourage open communication and actively support ideas and initiatives across all levels of the organization. This openness to diverse perspectives fosters creativity and ensures everyone feels empowered to contribute, inspiring us to challenge boundaries and work together to power global travel for everyone, everywhere.

What excites you about Expedia Group’s future? 

Expedia Group’s future is underpinned by its vast amount of travel data, enabling unparalleled data-driven innovation. By leveraging AI and machine learning, EG is transforming travel with hyper-personalized experiences and predictive solutions that anticipate traveler needs. The global reach and extensive network of partnerships we also have empowers us to connect travelers and partners everywhere, driving growth and fostering a more interconnected travel ecosystem. This unique blend of data insights, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative partnerships means we’re in a great place to continue to shape the future of travel. 

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