Tobias Kederer is a purpose driven global digital transformation leader with over 25 years of experience driving profitability and customer satisfaction across North America and EMEA. As Head of Migrations and Sustainability at AWS Professional Services, Tobias has built scalable practices, delivered impactful AI-driven sustainability projects, and mentored high-performing teams. A thought leader fluent in English and German, he combines technical expertise with a passion for purpose-driven innovation. Tobias holds executive education credentials from Harvard University and is an accomplished athlete, including being an Ironman finisher and certified tennis coach.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Tobias shared insights on what drives his passion for digital transformation and sustainability, significant career milestone, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Tobias. What drives your passion for digital transformation and sustainability?
My passion for digital transformation and sustainability stems from the opportunity to solve complex challenges while driving meaningful impact. With over 25 years in global digital transformation, I have witnessed the immense potential of technology in reshaping industries, optimizing operations, and enhancing customer experiences. Sustainability adds a purpose-driven layer to my work—the chance to leverage technology to create a more sustainable future excites me. For example, building the Sustainability practice at AWS allowed me to deliver AI-driven solutions, like optimizing energy consumption for international organizations and scaling global product traceability systems. These initiatives combine innovation and responsibility, aligning perfectly with my personal and professional values.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about my current role at AWS is the ability to create scalable solutions that drive tangible results for our customers while mentoring a highly talented team. Building and leading the Migrations and Sustainability practice has been particularly rewarding—from scaling teams to over 130 consultants across EMEA to delivering impactful sustainability projects that redefine industry standards. The mix of innovation, collaboration, and impact keeps me engaged and inspired daily.
What role do you believe technology plays in driving sustainability, and how do you stay ahead of emerging trends and innovations?
Technology is a critical enabler of sustainability, offering tools to measure, optimize, and reduce environmental impact. Cloud computing, AI, and IoT are at the forefront of this transformation. At AWS, I’ve used AI to develop solutions like product traceability systems and energy optimization processes. Staying ahead requires a continuous learning mindset—I engage in industry forums, collaborate with thought leaders, and leverage AWS’s innovative ecosystem to stay informed and proactive in delivering cutting-edge solutions.
How do you approach talent development and mentorship, and what strategies do you use to build and retain high-performing teams?
Talent development and mentorship are core pillars of my leadership philosophy. I focus on creating clear career paths, fostering open communication, and aligning individual strengths with organizational goals. At AWS, I scaled our team by 254% while maintaining a high CSAT score of 9.2/10 by prioritizing role-based training, performance recognition, and creating a culture of collaboration and innovation. Building trust and providing opportunities for growth have been instrumental in retaining high-performing teams.
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional leaders who have profoundly influenced me. One pivotal mentor was a senior leader at Thomson Reuters, who taught me the importance of aligning business strategy with customer-centricity. This mentorship emphasized the value of collaboration and innovation, shaping my approach to leadership and decision-making. It also inspired me to pay it forward by mentoring others in their professional journeys.
What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
A defining moment in my career was being given the opportunity to start the EMEA Sustainability practice at AWS Professional Services from scratch. It began with a business case and evolved into a customer focused practice that delivered industry-first solutions like AI-powered product traceability systems and energy optimization projects. These efforts not only established AWS’s sustainability leadership in EMEA but also reinforced my commitment to leveraging technology for meaningful change.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Outside of work, I am passionate about staying active and embracing challenges. I’m a certified tennis coach and competitive player, an Ironman finisher, and recently turned into an avid pickleball enthusiast. I also enjoy sustainable travel, exploring new cultures while minimizing my environmental footprint. These activities provide balance, stress relief and fuel my creativity, allowing me to bring fresh perspectives to my professional endeavors.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
I am heavily investing in furthering my understanding of AI and machine learning technologies, particularly their applications in sustainability and process optimization. At AWS, these innovations have driven transformative projects like global delivery guidance for product traceability systems. Additionally, I focus on cloud technologies and scalable SaaS solutions, which I believe are essential for building resilient and future-ready organizations.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
My biggest goal is to continue driving impactful digital transformation initiatives that align with purpose driven objectives. In five years, I see myself leading global strategies that combine technology innovation with mission-driven outcomes, potentially expanding into advisory roles to influence broader industry standards and practices. My vision is to leave a legacy of sustainable progress and empowered teams.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders looking to develop their skills and expertise in digital transformation and sustainability?
My advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace continuous learning, seek diverse experiences, and stay customer-focused. Understand that digital transformation and sustainability require a balance of technical expertise, strategic vision, and empathy. Build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and stay curious about emerging trends. Most importantly, align your work with a purpose that drives you—passion and perseverance will set you apart in this dynamic field.