In April Peter Kern will mark four years in the role of CEO of Expedia Group, although his involvement as a board member dates back to 2005. Kern took over the leadership role at a time when the entire world was paralyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and when the company had to focus on damage control. But from day one he also began talking about efforts to simplify the company and reorganize its technology. 

In the last year some of those efforts have come to bear – the completion of Expedia Group’s tech migration to a single platform and the launch of its One Key integrated loyalty program. The company also jumped in early on generative artificial intelligence and has expanded its B2B efforts with partnerships with Mastercard, Walmart and more.

In this CEO Spotlight, Kern shares his thoughts with PhocusWire editor in chief Mitra Sorrells on a variety of topics, including next steps for the One Key program, how the company is evolving its generative AI strategy and the potential – and limitations – of AI agents and the company’s B2B strategy, which in 2023 included cutting ties with Hopper.

All episodes: https://www.phocuswire.com/in-phocus

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With funding for travel startups hitting an eight-year low in 2023, it won’t take much for 2024 to be better. Some travel companies feel more optimistic about the months to come and who might be best placed to attract funding.

PhocusWire senior reporter Linda Fox is joined by Mike Scott, managing partner at Derive Ventures and Mia Morisset, a principal at Inovia, with both sharing insights on how 2024 might play out for travel startups. The broad ranging discussion also touched on potential deal sizes, where investment opportunities lie, the likelihood of merger and acquisition activity and the role of AI.

All episodes: https://www.phocuswire.com/in-phocus

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.