GOOD DAY, READERS.
Expedia has cut eight senior leaders as part of a bigger AI-driven overhaul, Travel Tech and AI Reporter Adriana Lee writes. The company says the changes will run deep and reshape how teams are sorted, how they work, and how they build technology. The plan, as stated, is to organize around "small end-to-end squads with clear ownership," so AI and machine learning are part of every effort and reduce time coordinating tasks across staff.
The reorganization comes as Expedia is recruiting more technical talent. The company recently opened a new tech hub in San Jose, designed in large part to compete for AI, machine-learning, and engineering workers in Silicon Valley.
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PEOPLE MOVES
This week's people moves shaping the industry. Let us know about a move.
Celso Ferrer has decided to step down as CEO of Gol effective August 31, 2026, to become President of Boeing Latin America and the Caribbean, capping more than two decades at the airline.
André Fehlauer will join as CEO in September, returning to Gol.
Albert Perez, currently COO, takes on additional responsibilities as President and COO.
Steven Greenway, former CEO of flyadeal, has joined Australia's Alliance Aviation Services as Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, succeeding Stewart Tully, who is stepping down after more than 11 years.
Daniel Dubowski has joined Marriott International as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer.
Fred Cromer, former EVP and CFO of Spirit Airlines, has joined Citadel Aviation as CFO.
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) has appointed Pete Sams as President, where he'll oversee day-to-day operations and company performance as founder/CEO Robert Cole steps back to focus on strategy.
Choose Chicago has appointed Meryl Press Vissel as Vice President of Communications & Content, a newly structured role overseeing communications, media relations and social media, effective August 31.
Finnair has appointed Arti Zeighami as Chief Digital Officer, effective August 19, joining from Boston Consulting Group, succeeding Antti Kleemola.
The airline has also named Kaarina Ståhlberg as SVP and General Counsel, effective August 31, succeeding Sami Sarelius, who is leaving to focus on advisory work.
José Silva has been appointed Chairman of Maybourne Hotel Group, joining after five years as CEO of Jumeirah Group.
Andrew Stembridge is joining Hand Picked Hotels as CEO of its Luxury division, effective September 1.
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